When do I need an Asbestos Survey?

Primarily, if you are about to conduct building works (either minor or major) on a property built before the year 2000. However, it is also worthwhile undertaking a survey if you own a property built before the new millennium for reassurance. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What are the health risks if I have asbestos in my property?

Asbestos in good condition, and that is not going to be disturbed, does not usually present a problem. However, if this is not the case, then exposure to damaged asbestos could be extremely harmful. Especially as the substance is capable of causing cancer and is responsible for around 5,000 deaths each year in the UK.

What can I do if I think I may have asbestos in my property?

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos then it is important that you take the necessary action and bring in a UKAS accredited company to provide advice and potentially a survey if needed.

How do I know if asbestos is in my property?

Sometimes asbestos is quite obvious and sometimes it is concealed, but for absolute confirmation, sampling and laboratory analysis is required. As a basic guide, it is most found in floor tiles, textured coating, roofing sheets, roof tiles, soffits, flues, cold water tanks as well as panels lining doors and stairs or forming walls and boxing. Very occasionally it might also be found as insulation, including on pipes and on very old boilers or hot water tanks, or as a form of sprayed insulation.

What should I do if the survey tests come back positive?

If the tests come back positive, then this does not immediately mean that the substance must be removed. In fact, if the asbestos is in good condition and it will not be disturbed, then it can usually be safely managed. If the material is damaged it may need to be removed and if so, a health and safety executive (HSE) licensed removal contractor should be able to do this competently.

How long will an asbestos survey take?

There is no fixed amount of time that a survey can take, as this can vary on the size of each building and the amount of suspected asbestos materials. However, we work with clients to minimise disruption, including working outside of operational hours on a range of projects to suit our client’s needs.

Will my property contain asbestos?

If built or refurbished before the year 2000 (prior to the asbestos ban), there is a possibility that your property will contain asbestos in some area.

What should I do if I have an asbestos related emergency out of normal working hours?

Should asbestos be damaged or disturbed during the early hours of the morning or night, it is important that you act quickly to reduce the risk of people becoming exposed to the fibres. In instances such as this, we have a 24/7 out of hours asbestos service along with expert surveyors across the country who are on hand to help.