Why Carry Out Asbestos Surveys?
Asbestos can be life-threatening; it’s made up of microscopic fibres which, if released into the air and inhaled, can aggravate lung tissue and cause scarring. The long-term effects of asbestos inhalation include lung cancer, cardiac failure and mesothelioma. Over 5,000 people in the UK die each year of exposure to asbestos, so it’s important to treat it with the utmost caution.
Asbestos was banned for use in British construction in 1999, but we are still living with its legacy. If you own or manage a property which was built before 1980 it’s highly likely that asbestos was used in the building fabric. You are required by law, therefore, to find out whether the building contains asbestos and should it be present, to diagnose the condition it is in, and the risk it presents.
What is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey comprises a detailed investigation of the premises with the aim of detecting any on-site asbestos. If asbestos is found it needs to be categorised as either:
- inert – suggesting that it is not an immediate threat,
- a risk – suggesting that the asbestos could pose an imminent threat if disturbed by refurbishment, maintenance or structural repairs.
The findings from the asbestos survey will form the basis of a risk assessment, an asbestos register, and an asbestos management plan.
Asbestos Management Survey
A Management Survey will be carried out to ensure the safety of occupants during normal use of the building. The survey seeks to be sure that nobody will be harmed by any asbestos discovered; that the asbestos is inert and therefore not an imminent threat; and that the existing asbestos is unlikely to be disturbed by the daily activities carried out within the building. The survey will also locate asbestos that could be disturbed by scheduled activities, or anticipated activities.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
This kind of survey is carried out when there are scheduled demolition or refurbishment works. The aim of the survey is to ensure that building occupants are safe from asbestos inhalation during the work, and that the work is being carried out with full awareness of health & safety issues. The survey is required to locate all asbestos containing materials (ACMs) prior to work commencing. This will incur destructive inspection and asbestos disturbance.
Avanti Provides HSE Approved Asbestos Surveys
Asbestos surveys have to be carried out by professional HSE approved assessors. Our assessors have at least 10 years of experience in carrying out both kinds of asbestos survey and samples are tested in a UKAS accredited laboratory. When carrying our a refurbishment/demolition survey, they will ensure that testing areas are sealed off, and air monitoring is carried out at all stages of the process.
Professional Asbestos Removal
‘Duty Holders’ (owners or managers of commercial buildings) are legally required to use HSE approved asbestos removals companies. Avanti is a highly recommended provider, due to the ongoing training provided to all employees, their HSE accreditation, and the accumulated experience they are able to bring to contaminated premises. We are experts when it comes to removing asbestos from:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Offices
- Council-owned properties
If you own or manage a commercial property, and you’re concerned that it may contain asbestos, call our team of experts today on0333 3355974
