Don’t put off that asbestos survey in Yorkshire; it could get you into hot water! If you’re the managing agent, tenant or landlord of a commercial property you may be responsible for managing asbestos, unless your contract or lease says otherwise. The best way forward is to check the lease to find out exactly who is responsible. And it is better to do this sooner rather than later if you want to avoid a fine. But why should you bother? What is all the fuss about asbestos? Asbestos is a deadly substance that can still be found in many commercial premises throughout the UK. Left undisturbed, the asbestos will cause no harm. But, if the fibres are airborne they can cause serious illness. Inhaled asbestos fibres aggravate lung tissues, causing asbestosis, a serious, chronic, non-cancerous respiratory disease. Symptoms of this disease include a dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling and shortness of breath.
If the structure of your commercial building is damaged, you or your tenants can be in real danger. In Yorkshire, an asbestos survey is how we detect whether this is the case. At ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd, we help your business deal with potentially deadly situations. If you do not have an asbestos plan that can be actioned, you could face steep penalties. The guidelines say you could be fined up to £20,000 or face imprisonment for up to 12 months, but for a serious breach you could face an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment of up to 2 years. Owners of derelict or vacant premises and warehouses are not exempt and also need an asbestos survey.
Managing asbestos is a legal requirement for UK property owners. Contact ACS if you need an asbestos survey. You’ll be pleased to learn that we have a wealth of experience dealing with all asbestos procedures, and this includes an asbestos survey in Yorkshire. You’ll want an expert service that is both comprehensive and cost effective. But, most of all, an asbestos survey and removal must be done safely.