How to Identify Asbestos?

Asbestos was extensively used in Northern Ireland and can be found in buildings built prior to the year 2000. It is a lethal material that causes serious health risks and even death if inhaled. Many that have suffered the effects simply didn’t know the dangers it posed at the time. And there are plenty of people who have worked especially in the Belfast building industry over the years that could tell you stories about their work with asbestos. It would scare you now that we know the dangers of asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is soft mineral rock which consists of extremely small fibres. These fibres can be released into the air if cut, sawn, drilled or damaged in any way. It can be fatal to breathe in these fibres.

Asbestos – the Danger

Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work related deaths in Northern Ireland. Here it causes around 90 deaths each year. Unfortunately Asbestos is everywhere, in roofing, soffits, pipes, lagging, insulating board, ceiling tiles, floor coverings and the list goes on. Most of this asbestos is still in place all over buildings in Northern Ireland which is why we must manage this material and make sure it is not disturbed. If it is not properly managed then other people that come into contact with the fibres through whatever means, could die.

Book Your Asbestos Survey on: 07702 332 333

So Whats the Risk?

Asbestos risk is a threat to us all. But especially those who disturb asbestos containing material. We carry out asbestos surveying right across Northern Ireland and we would tell you that the people most at risk are electricians, plumbers, joiners, decorators, maintenance workers, I.T engineers and even cleaners. Asbestos is serious and please take the time to look at our range of images in the asbestos image gallery to give you an idea of where it can be found. The images are taken from the Health & Safety Executive.

There are regulations to adhere to when it comes to asbestos. Building managers and duty managers are especially responsible for managing asbestos and having their building asbestos survey carried out. Asbestos Solutions NI operate across Northern Ireland and we have an office in Belfast and one in Coleraine. Contact Us if you need to book an asbestos survey. We can also help you compile your asbestos register which must be consulted before any maintenance work commences on-site.

If you think you have found asbestos in your home or commercial building please feel free to give Philip a shout on 07702 332 333. We can survey your property and send samples away to a UKAS accredited laboratory for testing and analysis.