Asbestos Surveys

By law, it is necessary that you have an 'asbestos management plan', which will be provided whenever you get asbestos surveys conducted on any property that is over 8 years old. If you do not follow the regulations of the law there can be unnecessary penalties that are easily avoidable.

	The first consequence is putting yourself and your staff, friends and family at risk.
	Closure of premises
	Personal fines of up to £20K (~$40K)
	Disqualification from Directorship
	Custodial sentences

These might not appear to be severe penalties, but in the UK alone, over 3500 die as a direct effect of asbestos. In addition to these penalties, insurance companies may refuse to renew or accept your policy unless you have identified any possible asbestos risks and developed an asbestos management plan. To further escalate the insurance problem, if you did need to make a claim and you haven't told them about the asbestos content, your claim could be refused automatically without and debate.

The simple solution to this problem is to have an asbestos survey carried out on the desired premises. An asbestos survey will identify any risks, potential future risks and the recommended action that should be taken. Asbestos surveys can be as little as £200 depending on the size of the premises you wish to have tested.

The benefits from doing things right are incomparable than trying to hide it. As well as avoiding any law breaking, you could lower insurance premiums, increase resale value and have an overall higher level of interest directed towards you or the property.

Managing asbestos requires 4 main points to be acknowledged;

Identifying the locations
Identify the type of asbestos through lab tests
Define its condition
Identify amounts of the asbestos

Asbestos Survey

Asbestos surveyors are available easily to help define your needs and requirements. By using an asbestos surveyor, you will help keep up to date with asbestos legislation which was created in 2006, 'Control of Asbestos in the workplace'.

A qualified asbestos surveyor will identify all kinds of asbestos material that 'contain' asbestos or is 'mistaken' to have asbestos - generally keeping you update and letting you know the risks.

There are 3 asbestos survey reports, otherwise known as Asbestos Type 1 Survey, Asbestos Type 2 Survey and Asbestos Type 3 Survey.

The 3 kinds are obviously used depending on the extensive research that is applied to your situation, but the main kind of asbestos survey carried out in the UK would be the Type 2. This consists of a complete survey of the building as well as testing of many suspect materials.

Brief 'Survey Type' Overview

· Asbestos Type 1 Survey - Presumptive survey

This survey only comprises a visual inspection of the premises with any suspect material assumed to be asbestos automatically. This is the cheaper of the 3 options but the costs may increase over the years due to unidentified asbestos problems.

· Asbestos Type 2 Survey - Visual with samples

A very accurate and detailed report is generated upon completion of laboratory studies carried out on any suspect material within the building premises. Although this survey consumes more time and money, you only have to manage asbestos containing materials, whilst not having to worry about possibilities and 'what if'. So the situation usually turns out cheaper and is the most commonly used type of survey.

· Asbestos Type 3 Survey - Fully intrusive with samples

This survey is mainly used for major renovations or replenishments. It is a more extreme and destructive approach to surveying, but a full in depth analysis is carried out and presented with all materials listed in a detailed report.

Surveyors will carry out the survey best suited to your required needs and with the results, generate a report to demonstrate all the relevant information in a form that complies with the new legislation.

Asbestos Cancer Mesothelioma

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