Asbestos

Asbestos would be a great building product were it not for the huge asbestos related 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.

When asbestos is in good condition, it poses no significant health risks. 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.

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 Regulations (CAR) NI2007, is specifically designed to tighten up the law to reduce the risk from asbestos materials present in buildings.

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.

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.Asbestos Solutions NI have the necessary experience and qualifications to carry out asbestos surveys safely and competently.

The Asbestos Survey Cost will depend on the size and age of your building. We may be able to quote you over the phone or by email if you have sufficient information (i.e. building plans or measurements). Alternatively we can arrange for a free site visit to provide you with a competitive asbestos survey quotation.

Yes, all of our plain english asbestos reports are written with the building manager in mind. If there’s anything in the asbestos report that you’re not sure about just ask, we’ll be happy to explain.

No, there are two different types of Asbestos Survey: Management Survey (formally Type 1 and Type 2 Asbestos Survey) – Its purpose is to locate as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building.Refurbishment and Demolition Survey (formally Type 3 Asbestos Survey) – A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is needed before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out.The type of Asbestos Survey most appropriate will be dependent on client/property specific requirements and will be established during the survey planning phase.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations NI(2007) came into force on 13th November 2006. These Regulations bring together the three previous sets of Regulations covering the Prohibition of Asbestos, The Control of Asbestos at Work and Asbestos Licensing.

The Duty to Manage asbestos legislation came into effect on 21 May 2004. The duty is not limited to a survey, but specific to safely managing asbestos by the implementation of a vigorous management process. Following the completion and issue of the asbestos survey or register, you should also put in place a suitable asbestos management plan. Dont worry we can do this for you.If you would like a quotation or specific information on Asbestos Surveys, simply use our contact form  and one of our representatives will be in touch immediately.