 What
is asbestos?
Asbestos was used as a building material in the UK from
the 1950s through to the mid-1980s. It was used for a
variety of purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and
insulation. Any building built before 2000 (houses,
factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc) can contain
asbestos. Asbestos materials in good condition are safe
unless asbestos fibres become airborne, which happens when
materials are damaged.
If in doubt do not carry out any refurbishment yourself,
pick up the phone and call the experts....
If you feel you have Asbestos in your property
please give us a call, advice if free. 0115 9440244.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious
diseases which are responsible for around 4000 deaths a
year. There are four main diseases caused by asbestos:
mesothelioma (which is always fatal), lung cancer (almost
always fatal), asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be
very debilitating) and diffuse pleural thickening (not
fatal).
Asbestos fibres are present in the environment in Great
Britain so people are exposed to very low levels of fibres.
However, a key factor in the risk of developing an
asbestos-related disease is the total number of fibres
breathed in. Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing
materials or breathing in high levels of asbestos fibres,
which may be many hundreds of times that of environmental
levels can increase your chances of getting an
asbestos-related disease.
Asbestos related diseases won't affect immediately but
later on in life, so there is a need for you to protect
yourself now to prevent you contracting an asbestos-related
disease in the future. It is also important to remember that
people who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos fibres are
at a much greater risk of developing lung cancer.
TYPES OF SURVEYS?
The duty-holder, building owner, employer and surveyor
need to be clear on the type of survey needed, where the
survey is needed, and what records should result.
There are two types of survey for ACM
Management survey
The Management Survey purpose is required to manage ACM
during the normal occupation and use of premises. The
duty-holder can make a Management Survey where the premises
are simple and straightforward. Otherwise, a surveyor is
needed.
A Management Survey aims to ensure that:
- nobody is harmed by the continuing
presence of ACM in the premises or
equipment;
- that the ACM remain in good condition;
and
- that nobody disturbs it accidentally
The Survey must locate ACM that could be damaged or
disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance,
or by installing new equipment. It involves minor intrusion
and minor asbestos disturbance to make a Materials
Assessment. This shows the ability of ACM, if disturbed, to
release fibres into the air. It guides the client, e.g. in
prioritising any remedial work.
Refurbishment / demolition survey
The Refurbishment / demolition Survey is required where
the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment
or demolition. The Survey does not need a record of the ACM
condition. Normally, a surveyor is needed for Refurbishment
/ demolition Surveys.
A Refurbishment / demolition Survey aims to ensure that:
- nobody will be harmed by work on ACM in
the premises or equipment;
- such work will be done by the right
contractor in the right way
The Survey must locate and identify all ACM before any
structural work begins at a stated location or on stated
equipment at the premises. It involves destructive
inspection and asbestos disturbance. The area surveyed must
be vacated, and certified 'fit for reoccupation' after the
survey.
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