Here is everything you need to know about Asbestos, as well as information on what South West London Asbestos can do for you, whether your needs are domestic, commercial or industrial.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the generic name given to the group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are fibrous in structure. These mineral fibres are strong and flexible and can be separated into thin threads and woven for a number of uses. For many decades, before the health risks were fully known, due to its high strength, flexibility, resistance to chemicals and heat and acoustic insulation, asbestos was widely used in building materials. The three main types of asbestos found in various products in the U.K. are:
- Chrysotile (White)
- Amosite (Brown)
- Crocidolite (Blue)
The import and use of crocidolite and amosite was banned in 1985. Chrysotile, which accounts for over 90% of usage in the U.K, was finally banned in 1999. All asbetos fibres are dangerous if inhaled, some more than others. Brown and Blue are considered more dangerous because their fibres are needle-like and get trapped in the lungs easily if inhaled. White asbestos has wavy fibres and therefore they are less likely to get trapped.
Where is asbestos found?
Typically asbestos can be found in the following areas:
- Eaves gutters and rainwater pipes
- Soffits
- Garage and shed roofs
- Linings for walls, ceilings and doors
- Loose asbestos packing between floors and in stud walls
- Floor tiles
- Central heating flues
- Pipe insulation
- Insulation panels in storage heaters
- Bath panels
- Textured coatings
- Asbestos cement products.
Remember: asbestos is only dangerous if it is disturbed. It becomes harmful when its fibres are released into the atmosphere to be breathed in. However, if you suspect asbestos, it is always wise to have it sampled or surveyed to be sure that you or your family aren’t at risk of exposure – and if you are at risk of exposure, then we can guide you through the steps for management or, if necessary, removal.
How can I tell if I have asbestos?
You often can’t tell if a product or building contains asbestos just by looking at it. If you live around, or need to work on or near any materials that you think may contain asbestos, you should have a sample of the material analysed before you carry out any work.
Bulk Sampling
If you are concerned that a material in your house or place of work may contain asbestos the best course of action will often be to take a bulk sample of the material. The results of this will tell you not only if asbestos is present but also which type it is.
We can normally send our P402 qualified surveyor to your property within 2 working days to take a sample(s) of the material safely and professionally. We have the sample(s) analysed at a UKAS accredited laboratory and results can normally be emailed to you within 3 working days. Call us on 07973 452408 or email swlasbestos@gmail.com to arrange for samples to be taken.
Do I need a survey? If so, what type?
Whether it’s for peace of mind in your own home, or if you are the Duty Holder in your workplace, a landlord, or if you are buying or selling a house or looking to do refurbishment work, you should have an asbestos survey.
Management Survey
This is the standard survey. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition.
Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Survey
A R&D survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. Its purpose is to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the planned areas or the whole building pre demolition. These surveys are fully intrusive and may involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.
I am buying / selling a house. Do I need a survey?
The need for an asbestos survey is becoming more stringent when buying or selling a house, as buyers want reassurance that the house they are buying is a safe environment for their family. Asbestos is just as dangerous in the home as in the workplace. Although the CAR 2012 regulations are aimed at employers and not home owners, if you are worried about the possible presence of asbestos in your home it would be prudent to get a specialist in to survey your property to put your mind at rest, and if ACMs are discovered, to take their advice moving forward.
If you are buying a house, remember that asbestos remedial work can be very expensive so it is better to find out if ACMs are present in the property before agreeing a sale. A survey can be used in price negotiations along with a quote for the cost of encapsulation or removal of any discovered asbestos.
How much will a survey cost?
This depends on the size and age of the building, and the extent of the area(s) being surveyed. South West London Asbestos should be able to quote you over the phone if you have sufficient information i.e. size, age, survey type. Floorplans are always helpful if available. Our quotes and advice are totally free and no obligation, and we will always provide a written confirmation of the quote via email. Please call us on 07973 452408 or email swlasbestos@gmail.com for a free quote.
When will South West London Asbestos be able to do the survey?
We can normally carry out the survey on your property within 2 – 4 working days of our quote being accepted . We always aim to be as efficient and convenient to our customers as possible and often liaise with estate agents to pick up keys to gain access to a property in the process of being bought by our customer.
What happens on the day of the survey?
Our P402 accredited surveyor will arrive at a pre-arranged time at your property. Providing he has access, you do not have to remain on the premises while he completes the survey if you do not wish to. However, if you remain on the premises, our surveyor will complete the survey with as little disruption to you as possible.
Our surveyor will make detailed notes on the area(s) due for inspection. Samples will be taken where necessary to determine the presence of ACMs.
How long will the survey take?
This depends on the size of the property / extent of the area(s) to be inspected. Most domestic surveys are completed on the same day. Our surveyor will always prioritize safety over time efficiency, in order to ensure the survey has been carried out thoroughly.
When will I receive my report?
We strive to provide reports within 5 working days of undertaking the survey. We will email you an electronic version. A hard copy can be provided upon request.
Will I understand the report?
Absolutely. Our reports don’t use technical jargon and are written with you in mind. If there is anything in the report you’re not sure about, just give us a call on 07973 452408 and we will always be happy to explain.
Recommendations for the management of any asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and a risk score will be included in the report, along with an asbestos materials register, if applicable. This may form the basis of your ‘duty to manage’ any ACMs in your property if you are the duty holder (e.g. communal areas in a block of flats if you are the landlord).
What happens if asbestos is found on our property?
If ACMs are found on the property, our recommendations will be clearly laid out in our report. Recommendations will vary according to the surface condition and location of the ACMs. If in the ACMs are in good surface condition and in a rarely used location, it may be advisable to leave the material in situ, add it to the asbestos register and manage the overall condition with re-inspections over a set period of time. On other occasions encapsulation or minor repair is the best course of action. Removal can also be an option and if that is the preferred choice then we can offer experienced advice on the best way forward.
As a rule asbestos that contains amosite or crocidolite can only be removed or worked on by HSE licensed asbestos contractors. This group includes asbestos insulation board and pipe insulation among many other high fibre release materials. The licensed contractor must notify the HSE of the forthcoming work and then wait 14 days before work can commence.
Many ACMs (asbestos cement products, floor tiles, textured coatings etc.) do not generally need licensed contractors to remove. However it is still recommended that only experienced, competent asbestos contractors are hired in conjunction with any asbestos removal or remedial work that may be required.
Please get in touch with us either by phone or by email on:
07973 452408
Our priority at South West London Asbestos is to ensure your property is safe, and we will do all we can to put any concerns you may have at rest.
South West London Asbestos 