What To Do In The Event That You Find Asbestos In Your Artex Home

Asbestos is a fire-resistant substance that has long been utilised in the construction industry to offer inexpensive, fire-resistant insulation. Each year, around 2,500 people die from cancer induced by breathing asbestos fibres.

Although the production of asbestos products was outlawed in 1999, Asbestos in Artex is still present in many structures and items that were previously installed. Asbestos-containing materials may be found in any home over 15 years old.

What Health Dangers Do I Face If I Have Asbestos In My House, Building, Apartment, Or School?

Asbestos in good condition that has been undisturbed is unlikely to pose a health concern. When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and can be breathed, posing a health concern. The best method is to manage asbestos in situ and keep it in excellent shape.

How to Test for Asbestos

If you want to test for Asbestos in Artex, you must never tear a piece off to submit for sampling. You can only send a piece for sample if it has naturally broken off, and you should only do so if there is no risk of spreading the debris or exposing yourself to dust. If there is no such danger, you do not require the services of a licenced contractor. If there is no danger of spreading debris or dust, asbestos testing entails:

• The sample is being dampened.
• Filling a self-sealing polythene bag with it.
• I'm going to put this in another self-sealing bag.
• It needs to be labelled.
• Making preparations for asbestos testing by a UKAS-approved laboratory.

Preparation for Asbestos Testing

If the total time spent by all workers exceeds two hours, a licence is required. This includes time spent preparing, cleaning, and dismantling. When testing for asbestos, having as much information about the structure as feasible will help determine whether or not there is Asbestos in Artex. You can do this by:

• Look for any past asbestos work that has been done on the property.
• Speak with the building's former owners or renters.
• If you have a facilities management business, speak with them.
• Consult the equipment's manufacturers or repairers.
• Make contact with the architect, builder, or designer of the structure.

When a Surveyor Finds Asbestos, What Happens Next?

Hiring a reputable firm to remove asbestos from your building is the safest, most efficient, and most effective method. Any suspected ACMs will be sampled by the surveyors and delivered to an authorised laboratory for examination and testing. The testing business will be able to identify the kind or types of asbestos present in the lab, as well as whether asbestos is present in significant, minor, or trace components. The on-site surveyor can also establish how much of a threat the asbestos-containing material poses if any.

Conclusion

Asbestos in Artex is such a dangerous material, and exposure to it may be lethal. Getting any suspected asbestos-containing products tested by a qualified and licenced asbestos testing business like Casa Environmental Services (ACMs) is critical. It is suggested that you do not take samples for analysis yourself unless you are certified and skilled in dealing with asbestos. Otherwise, you risk exposing yourself and other building occupants to asbestos.