Many old buildings have asbestos-containing materials, despite the ban on the use of asbestos in construction. Asbestos was extensively used in building materials as it offered a large number of attractive properties. It can be found in insulation, ceiling boards, cement and more.
However, as a result of the dangers asbestos-containing materials pose, every building constructed before 2000 must have a plan in place to manage these asbestos-containing materials.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 creates a legal duty of the owner or manager of the building to manage asbestos. Hence, if asbestos is present, or is presumed to be present, it must be managed appropriately. Therefore, this includes compiling and keeping a current record of the location and the condition of any suspected asbestos-containing materials.
It also includes preparing a management plan that details how the risks from these materials will be managed.
How do I know my building has asbestos?
It begins with an asbestos survey. In order to find out whether your building has any asbestos-containing materials, an asbestos survey should be conducted. In fact, this is a mandatory requirement for all old buildings, especially those erected prior to 2000.
There are 2 types of asbestos surveys – the management survey and the refurb/demo survey. The first survey is the most popular survey and serves to locate the presence and condition of any asbestos. The second survey is more intensive and is essential before any building work or demolition takes place.
- The management survey – the survey checks the condition and the extent of any asbestos-containing materials. In addition, it can identify any asbestos-containing material that is likely to be disturbed by any normal day-to-day activity, standard building maintenance or the installation of any new equipment in the building. This survey provides the essential information for both the register and the management plan for your building.
- The refurb/demo survey – the survey is required is any renovation or demolition work is planned for the building. It is an intrusive survey and the building needs to be vacated prior to start of the survey.
The information gathered in the asbestos survey is needed for the asbestos register. This, in turn, is used to create a comprehensive management plan.
The asbestos register
An asbestos register is an important document. It contains information regarding any asbestos-containing materials inside your building. Hence, it lists all known and suspected areas where the asbestos can be found.
There are a number of points that an asbestos register must include. These are:
- the name of the duty holder
- the address of the site
- it also should include the areas that are covered by the register
the details of the person who is responsible for keeping the register up to date - the record of any asbestos that has actually been identified or is assumed to be in place in the workplace
- the date the asbestos was located
- the location, type and the condition of the asbestos is also noted
- the register needs to remain up to date to ensure the information it contains is current
- it also states whether any asbestos has been located
An asbestos register is an essential part of your asbestos management plan. The information in the register can assist in helping create and maintain the management plan.
Why are all these forms necessary?
Asbestos-containing materials are dangerous. As most old buildings contain asbestos in some form, it is essential to be aware of the location and the condition of these materials. By having an asbestos register, the duty holder knows exactly where, the amount and the condition of any asbestos-containing materials in the building.
With this information in place, a proper management plan can be prepared and followed.
Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry. It offered building materials a host of benefits such as strength, longevity, electrical and chemical resistance and more. As a result, buildings constructed before 2000 are more than likely to have asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos can be found in cement, roof tiles, insulation, ceiling boards, guttering systems, cisterns among others.
However, it was found that exposure to asbestos fibres led to incurable disease and cancer like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
The use of asbestos in construction was subsequently banned, but, because of its previous popularity, it is still present in buildings today.
As such, the record of any asbestos present on the site is called the asbestos register. This record is key to preparing the management plan.
An asbestos register for a building must be readily available for any person who will be conducting any type of repair work on the building. This includes regular maintenance and upkeep of the building.
Where can I find assistance?
If you are searching for a professional company for assistance regarding asbestos surveys, asbestos registers and management plans, our highly skilled, qualified and experienced team at ACS is available to assist.
We have many years of experience in asbestos-related concerns. As such, you can rely on a thorough and highly professional asbestos survey for your building. In addition, a complete, detailed asbestos register can be compiled.
Each one of our surveyors has the experience, training and knowledge to ensure an excellent result. In addition, if your building has asbestos-containing materials that must be removed, we can assist. As such, we can refer you to a professional asbestos removal company. We only work with companies that meet all requirements along with our approval.
Let us help you with the right plan for managing asbestos-containing materials in your building. Speak to us about a quote. As such, our prices are highly competitive and we’re happy to assist you with the details you need.
When you need assistance with asbestos surveys, asbestos registers and a comprehensive management plan, you can rely on our professionals at ACS. You are welcome to give us a call today and find out how we can assist you.