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We have over 20 years' of experience.
We have over 20 years' of experience.
The term "asbestos" refers to a class of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are used for each of their unique qualities, including high tensile strength and resistance to chemical erosive processes. Three of the six varieties of asbestos are most frequently found in the UK:
Although in the UK you can find the other 3 varieties (Fibrous Actinolite, Tremolite, and Anthophylite), they weren't frequently used in most building materials, so it isn't common to come into contact with these 3 types of asbestos. From the 1950s until the 1980s, asbestos-containing materials were frequently employed in the construction industry.
Why should I be concerned about asbestos if I only own a small shop? There is a chance that asbestos will be present in a building you inhabit if it was constructed before 1999, when all asbestos-containing items were officially outlawed. As the duty holder, you are responsible for managing asbestos under the new standards. For a list of typical items that use asbestos compounds, visit our asbestos examples page.
Contact your local HSE office or local council, who will advise you of nearby sites of where to dispose the asbestos.
There is debate over whether type of asbestos is the most dangerous: blue, brown, white, etc. in short Asbestos is FATAL and not to be ignored, we cannot stress this enough. The truth is that anyone who is exposed to airborne asbestos fibres runs the risk of serious illness. More than 3500 people every year pass away from mesothelioma and other lung malignancies associated with asbestos, whose symptoms can take anywhere from 15 to 60 years to manifest. As a result of prior exposures, it is anticipated that this number will significantly increase during the coming years.
Anyone who works or has worked in contaminated areas e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters etc. without knowing the future risk to their health. The purpose of the legislation is to protect such people in the future by knowing in advance of maintenance work, that either the building is safe, or that protective equipment is needed before disturbing asbestos products in the environment. It is essential to wear disposable protective clothing and respiratory equipment if contemplating aggressive maintenance on asbestos materials, as fibres contained on clothing can represent danger to other members of the family when cloths are cleaned.
Utilising a UKAS-accredited service provider provides assurance that the organisation has undergone independent assessment and verification of its competence to deliver its services effectively. UKAS, as a government-appointed agency, is authorised to assess the competency of organisations offering certificates in various industries, including asbestos. Organisations with UKAS accreditation have undergone rigorous audits and reviews covering aspects such as general management, policies, procedures, and the competence of team members. This annual assessment ensures that customers receive reliable and trusted services from their providers.
For asbestos inspections, including asbestos re-inspection surveys, you should look for UKAS ISO 17020 accreditation. This accreditation is essential for the operation of inspection activities related to asbestos.
No - it is not a requirement under the legislation. Provided you can prove competency and adequate training should a court case be brought against you, you can conduct your own survey and reports. Most businesses prefer to use a professional survey company such as 247 Asbestos Removals, because they do not have the necessary skills or manpower in house.
The surveyor will need access to every area of the facility, both inside and out, including closets and storage areas. The surveyor may be needed to be accompanied to each guest room by management in specific circumstances, such as residential homes. The surveyor will begin by inquiring about the age of the property, the dates of any renovations, etc. This will provide information on the sorts of materials utilised. A site plan will be marked up to identify sample positions as the survey progresses. Each area of the building will be inspected in minute detail for signs of asbestos containing materials. The surveyor will make note of any questionable materials and, if deemed appropriate, take samples. If done effectively, the survey should only need a few hours of on-site time, up to several days for larger projects. The surveyor will send samples for analysis when the site work is finished, and once the results are received, they will produce the report. Avoid the temptation to choose the cheapest option since a project that needs to be done correctly can't be finished in 10 minutes.
The cost varies significantly, according to the construction of the building, age, number of rooms, usage size of building etc. ARS will be able to give a firm price once this information is known. Call us now on 0330 097 3369 we would welcome your call.
No, not necessarily. It depends on the extent condition of any material found and also the type of product e.g., an old vinyl tile may contain asbestos but it is encapsulated in resins and would be considered very low risk in normal use. In the main there would be no action required other than to ensure protection is worn during maintenance work. Removal would only be required if the product could not be adequately sealed or encased and if in poor condition likely to release fibres to the environment.
An asbestos re-inspection survey serves the purpose of allowing the duty holder to continuously monitor and document the condition of previously identified asbestos materials within a building. This proactive approach is crucial because, like any building material, asbestos-containing materials are susceptible to potential damage and deterioration over time. Regular inspections help ensure that these materials remain in a safe condition and do not pose health hazards. It's important to note that this survey should be carried out in conjunction with an existing asbestos management survey, asbestos register, and Asbestos Management Plan.
The frequency of asbestos re-inspection surveys is governed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 and depends on several factors, including the findings of your asbestos survey report. In general, these surveys should be conducted every 6-12 months, although high-risk asbestos-containing materials may require more frequent assessments. It's essential to align these inspections with regular reviews of risk assessments, control measures, and the asbestos management plan, as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Approved Code of Practice (143).
Whether an asbestos re-inspection survey is relevant to your building depends on two key considerations:
Firstly, it's crucial to determine whether your existing asbestos survey report identifies the presence of asbestos-containing materials within your building. If asbestos is present, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 mandates periodic re-inspections to assess their condition. Asbestos materials degrade over time, and these surveys help ensure they remain in a safe state.
Secondly, if any asbestos has been removed from your building in the past, it is advisable to include these areas in your re-inspection surveys for the following year. This allows for independent verification that the asbestos removal has been successful and should be documented as such in the asbestos register. Providing relevant removal documentation, such as waste consignment notes, is also recommended.
Both asbestos management surveys and asbestos re-inspection surveys are non-intrusive and do not necessitate the building to be empty during the survey. However, if any materials require further sampling and analysis for identification or if they are considered high-risk, it is advisable to have them analysed in an ISO 17025 UKAS accredited laboratory.
Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations highlights the importance of individuals conducting assessments to possess "sufficient information, instruction, and training" to carry out the assessment. While the level of competency may vary, conducting a re-inspection survey typically involves a visual inspection and a reassessment of the risk associated with the condition of asbestos materials and their environment. To ensure accuracy and the implementation of effective control measures, it is recommended to engage a competent person or organisation with expertise in asbestos surveys. An incorrect survey could compromise the ability to implement adequate measures to prevent asbestos exposure.
To ensure accurate assessment of the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials, it is essential to hire an asbestos consultant with specific qualifications in asbestos-related work. Engaging a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited asbestos consultancy to conduct your asbestos re-inspection survey ensures that you will receive a clear report with necessary recommendations.
An asbestos re-inspection survey involves several key steps:
• Review of your current asbestos documentation, identifying potential data issues or gaps.
• On-site inspection to re-examine known asbestos-containing materials and update your asbestos records. This includes identifying any changes in these materials, capturing new photographs, providing site geo-location data, and using dynamic, data-integrated floor plans.
• If there were areas labelled as 'no access' in your asbestos management survey, these should be accessed and surveyed if possible. Access arrangements may need to be discussed to include these areas in the re-inspection survey.
• A review of your current control measures, documentation, and asbestos management plan.
'No access' areas are addressed according to the HSE's HSG 264 Asbestos The Survey Guide. In cases where an area cannot be accessed, it should be clearly indicated in the asbestos management survey report, and materials in those areas should be presumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise. During an asbestos re-inspection survey, all 'no access' areas must be surveyed if they are accessible. Otherwise, they will continue to be recorded as 'presumed to contain asbestos.' If additional asbestos is discovered in 'no access' areas, it may be necessary to proceed with asbestos sampling and testing. It is essential to minimise caveats wherever possible to gather as much information about your property as feasible and take appropriate action to manage potential risks.
247 Asbestos Services is an independent supplier of asbestos testing, inspection, and management services. They provide UKAS-accredited and certified hazardous materials testing, inspection, and environmental management solutions. Their services are tailored for schools, colleges, and universities seeking regulatory compliance for their buildings and assets. 247 Asbestos Services has extensive experience working with local authorities, independent schools, and higher education institutions. They offer services such as gap analysis, compliance reviews, staff training, and advanced technology for asbestos risk management. 247 Asbestos Service’s team are dedicated to ensuring a safer environment for staff and students by effectively managing asbestos risks within educational estates and moving beyond compliance to best practices.