What To Understand About the Process Of Asbestos Surveys

If you suspect or know there is asbestos in your building, you must get it removed by a competent asbestos removal firm. Never attempt to remove it yourself since it can be hazardous to your health and the health of people who use the place. Read our guide to learn where to look for asbestos, how to test for it, and the process of Asbestos Surveys.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos was prohibited in the UK in 1999, although because of its widespread use, it is still present in many structures constructed before that time. However, asbestos exposure was proven to cause various significant health issues in the late twentieth century. These are some of them:

• Asbestosis: A chronic respiratory condition triggered by inflammatory asbestos filaments affecting the lung tissues. This can lead to lung scarring and heart collapse in the worst-case scenario.
• Lung Cancer: This is the condition that causes the most fatalities as a result of asbestos exposure.
• Mesothelioma: A rare kind of cancer that affects the lungs, chest, belly, and occasionally the heart's thin membrane lining. Here's where you can learn more about mesothelioma.
• Pleural Thickening: The lining of the lungs thickens and swells.

Asbestos Testing Procedures

Asbestos fibres are tiny and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are frequently combined with other materials, making identification more challenging. Only laboratories recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service can conduct Asbestos Surveys on suspected asbestos-containing products.

What is the Best Way To Get Asbestos Out Of My House?

You may look for an "asbestos contractor" and your home's online location. Contact your municipality to see if there are state-mandated training or accreditation requirements for the contractor and their employees. You may look for "asbestos inspection and assessment" online and enter your address. Also, ensure that the inspector has had adequate training and is licenced by your state.

What Should I Do If Asbestos Is Discovered in My House or Workplace?

If the materials analysed do indeed contain asbestos, its state will heavily impact the way it is managed. If the material is in good shape and hasn't been destroyed, it's unlikely to pose a health risk right away and may typically be kept in place.

In these cases, the material should be checked frequently to verify that it hasn't degraded and become harmful. It is only when the material is disturbed that it becomes hazardous, as this might result in the release of potential fibres into the air, where they can become respirable.

What is an Asbestos Licence?

An asbestos licence is a formal authorisation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to conduct Asbestos Surveys. Activities on asbestos-containing textured coatings, asbestos cement, and some 'long-duration' asbestos insulating board work are also included.

Conclusion

If you're unsure where asbestos could be lurking on your property, Asbestos Surveys may be required. An asbestos management survey guarantees that no one is harmed as a result of the operations on the premises. The asbestos type, location, extent, condition, and any surface treatment will all be detailed in the report. This allows you to decide whether to use a trained or HSE-licensed contractor to do safe maintenance.