Importance of asbestos surveys for tradespeople
Asbestos is the UK’s largest workplace killer. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause cancers and lung diseases, responsible for 90,000 deaths every year globally. Unfortunately, asbestos was once widely used in construction, including ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers, coatings and floor tiles. This means many buildings contain asbestos and pose a serious health risk if damaged or disturbed. Because of this, asbestos surveys are required, particularly before refurbishments or demolitions.
There are two types of asbestos surveys – a management survey, which outlines the need for an asbestos register/asbestos management plan for normal use of the premises, and a refurbishment or demolition survey (R&D). The R&D survey should be carried out before any demolition or refurbishment work is started on a site. This blog post will focus on R&D asbestos surveys, and how they benefit tradespeople.
What is an asbestos survey?
Asbestos surveys detect the location, amount and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It provides information to tradespeople and managers regarding the next steps and action required. The surveys work to identify hidden ACMs which must be removed before refurbishment work or demolition. By addressing the presence of ACMs before any work begins, the risk of future exposure is eliminated, protecting both workers and occupants.
What is involved in asbestos surveys?
R&D surveys are a more detailed form of asbestos surveys in comparison to a management asbestos survey. This type of survey must locate and identify ACMs, including those hidden within the building fabric, before any structural work begins at the premises or on equipment. Due to the invasive nature of R&D surveys, the area must be vacated and declared safe by certified professionals before any resumption of work or occupancy.
The survey process begins with a preliminary risk assessment and site walk-through with the surveyor. Following site evacuation, the team identifies, samples, and documents potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine the type of asbestos present.
Chrysotile, or white asbestos, is the most common type. It’s curly and flexible fibres are generally considered less dangerous than the amphibole varieties. Amphibole asbestos includes crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Crocidolite is considered the most dangerous due to its thin, straight, and brittle fibres, which are easily inhaled.
Asbestos air testing is also conducted to assess the risk of airborne asbestos fibres. Air testing helps determine if the current airborne fibre levels are safe for work to proceed. It establishes a baseline before work commences and can be used to monitor air quality during the project to ensure control measures are effective. If the testing reveals unsafe levels of asbestos fibres, it mandates immediate action, such as implementing more stringent containment and removal procedures or halting work until the area is safe.
If the survey recommends it, a specialist team will handle asbestos removal and/or encapsulation.
Why are asbestos surveys important?
While asbestos-related deaths in the UK are slowly declining, this hazardous material still claims over 5,000 lives each year, making it the nation’s leading cause of workplace fatalities. Tradespeople are disproportionately affected, facing a significantly higher risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Pre-demolition and pre-refurbishment asbestos surveys are essential to protect these workers. Uncovering asbestos during a project creates a dangerous situation for everyone on site, halting progress and incurring substantial costs.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 are in place to protect workers and the public from the dangers of asbestos. These regulations require the removal of all ACMs before major refurbishment or demolition, making pre-work asbestos surveys essential. Failure to comply can lead to substantial fines and imprisonment. While building managers are primarily accountable, all employees share responsibility for asbestos safety.
Encapsulation and removal of asbestos
If an asbestos survey reveals the presence of ACMs, a team of licensed professionals will perform the necessary abatement work, which may include removal or encapsulation.
Asbestos encapsulation is a method of managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) by sealing them with a protective coating. This process prevents the release of asbestos fibres into the air. This is often less disruptive and more cost-effective and can be preferable when dealing with historic buildings.
Selecting a competent and compliant asbestos removal contractor for any abatement work is essential. Henderson Environmental is fully licensed by the HSE and a member of ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contracts Association), ensuring all encapsulation, removal and disposal activities comply fully with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations.
While we don’t offer asbestos surveys directly, we maintain a network of reputable and qualified partners who we can confidently recommend.
In conclusion, asbestos remains a significant threat, particularly to tradespeople. R&D asbestos surveys are not just a legal requirement; they are a crucial step in protecting workers’ health and preventing future asbestos-related illnesses.
By identifying and safely managing ACMs before any work begins, asbestos surveys minimise the risk of exposure and avoid costly project delays. Remember, asbestos safety is everyone’s responsibility. If a survey reveals asbestos, engaging with licensed professionals like us is paramount. Don’t gamble with health – prioritise asbestos safety on your next project and contact us today for advice.
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