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.

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.