About Asbestos
 Some
useful information about asbestos,
the dangers and the law
What is Asbestos
Asbestos is a generic term for a type of naturally occurring
fibrous silicate minerals. It is created by heat
exchange or pressure within rocks. There are several
types – the three main ones are white (Chrysotile),
brown (Amosite) and blue (Crocidolite).
Mined throughout the world, asbestos was imported into
the UK for most of the 20th Century. Due to its
versatility it was used in over 2000 different products.
The legal usage of asbestos products (other than some
specialist areas) was ceased in 2000.
On average for every 100 buildings on which we conduct
an
asbestos survey (built prior to 2000), we would expect to
find asbestos products in up to 85% of them.
The health effects of exposure to asbestos are well
known (Mesothelioma, Asbestosis). Asbestos related
deaths in the workplace are still increasing.
Legislation surrounding asbestos is strict and rightly
so. Flouting the law can result in custodial sentences.
More about asbestos related diseases.
Whose Responsibility – Asbestos
Survey?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires all
none domestic buildings to have an
asbestos survey carried out that conforms to HSG 264
(formerly MDHS 100) surveying standard.
It is the responsibility of the ‘dutyholder’ under
current regulations to commission an asbestos survey if
required.
The dutyholder is the owner or maintaining leaseholder
of the property.
Important Note Regarding Sub-let or
Shared Ownership
Where properties are sub-let or have shared
ownership there may be shared responsibility e.g. in a
shopping centre, individual shops may have a responsibly
for their own units and the landlord for the common
areas of the building (stairwells, roof spaces, lift
shafts etc).
Whose Responsibility – Asbestos
Management
When a survey to a property outlines the
presence of ACM’s there is a legal duty to manage the materials.
The ACM’s must be safe, sealed, labelled and robustly
managed (a permit to work system may be required). The
asbestos management system is a written document
which should be reviewed annually (at least) or
following any significant changes (such as ACM removal).
Key staff may require
asbestos awareness training to adequately implement
the management system. Please contact us for course
details.
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More About Asbestos
About Asbestos - An Introduction
Asbestos Testing
Asbestos Register
Asbestos Regulations
Asbestos Related Illness / Disease
Asbestos Removal
Working With Asbestos
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (PDF)
Experienced Team
Leading From the Front
Greg Byrne, senior partner and principal
surveyor, heads up the asbestos survey, management and training
teams. Bringing with him over 20 years of hands-on
experience and an envious reputation, you can be sure of
an efficient, effective and professional service from
Greg and his team.
Clients & Testimonials
Don't Just Take Our Word For It...
Take a look at some of our recent clients, the work
we've done for them and what they had to say.
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