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Asbestos FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions to discover absbestos key facts:

1. What is asbestos?
2. Why is asbestos dangerous?
3. Why do we need an asbestos survey?
4. What if I don't bother having a survey carried out?
5. Can I survey the building for asbestos myself?
6. How much will an asbestos survey cost?
7. Will I be able to understand the asbestos report?
8. Are all asbestos surveys the same?
9. When did the new asbestos regulations come into effect?

What is asbestos?

Asbestos would be a great building product were it not for the huge health risks. It has a high resistance to heat and many chemicals and was the building material of choice in the 1960's to the mid '70's in the UK - before the potentially deadly properties of asbestos were known.

During this time asbestos was used for a number of jobs such as; floor tiles, pipe lagging, textured paints (Artex), internal partitions, central heating systems, roofs, gutters, rainwater downpipes, cement cladding, fire protection to structural steelwork, fuse boxes, bitumen products and many, many more.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

When asbestos is in good condition, it poses no significant health risks. In fact one bright spark in America calculated that a person sitting in a building with properly maintained asbestos is more likely to be struck by lightning than to contract an asbestos-related disease.

The danger arises when asbestos is damaged - through bumps and scrapes sustained by any building over the years - or destroyed by cutting, drilling or ripping.

When disturbed, asbestos releases airborne fibres which can kill. Individuals working in the building and maintenance trades e.g. builders, plumbers, electricians, cable installers are at greatest risk from asbestos. These people are most likely to work on a building without sufficient knowledge as to where asbestos might be and how to avoid it.

Why do we need an asbestos survey?

To protect any person, especially workmen, from accidentally exposing themselves and others to asbestos fibres.

There are many documented instances of builders, plumbers and electricians drilling through innocuous panels, or cutting into pipe insulation, only to discover later that a potentially lethal mistake has been made.

To comply with current legislation and avoid prosecution. The new 'Duty to Manage' (Regulation 4) in the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAWR) 2002, is specifically designed to tighten up the law to reduce the risk from asbestos materials present in buildings. See Asbestos Legislation page for more information.

What if I don't bother having an asbestos survey carried out?

If you are the duty holder for a commercial property you are liable to prosecution. Failure to comply with the new asbestos regulations may also mean that a prohibition notice is placed on your buildings - effectively closing you down until your workplace is confirmed safe. See Asbestos Legislation page for more information.

Can I survey the building for asbestos myself?

Yes - but only if you are suitably qualified to do so. The regulations state that the asbestos survey must be carried out by a competent person. At ACS we have the necessary experience and qualifications to carry out asbestos surveys safely and competently.

How much will an asbestos survey cost?

That depends on the size and age of your building. We may be able to quote you over the phone if you have sufficient information. Alternatively we can arrange for a free site visit to provide you with a competitive asbestos survey quotation.

For more information please contact us on 01422 370 588.

Will I be able to understand the asbestos report?

Yes, all our asbestos reports are written with the building manager in mind. We use plain English backed up by the latest Mastec software. If there's anything in the asbestos report that you're not sure about just ask, we'll be happy to explain.

Are all asbestos surveys the same?

No, there are three different types of asbestos survey:

• Type 1 asbestos survey: Location and assessment survey (Presumptive Survey)
• Type 2 asbestos survey: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey (Sampling Survey)
• Type 3 asbestos survey: Full access sampling and identification survey (Pre-demolition / Major Refurbishment Surveys.)

For a full explanation of the above surveys and which is most relevant to your circumstances read our 'Asbestos Surveys' section.

When did the new asbestos regulations come into effect?

They came into effect on 21 May 2004. The new asbestos legislation was launched in November 2002 but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gave an 18-month lead up time. This ran out in May 2004 and prosecutions may now take place.

Contact us / request a quote

For more information on our asbestos consultancy services or to receive a free no-obligation quote, please contact us on 01422 370588 or complete our online enquiry form.