Asbestos Surveying
Asbestos was widely used from the 1960's until it was finally banned in 1999. Primarily used as an insulator, asbestos was also used within many other products including roofing, gaskets, electrical boards and many others.
The extent of the asbestos problem is now being fully realised and at this time it is estimated that some 3,000 people a year are dying as a result of exposure to asbestos.
People exposed to asbestos fibres may find themselves suffering long term and, eventually, fatal health problems which may not become apparent for anything up to 30 years after the initial exposure. The diseases which can be attributed to exposure to asbestos are:
- Asbestos plaques which affects the lining of the lung
- Asbestosis which scars the lung resulting in progressive shortness of breath
- Lung cancer and
- Mesothelioma which is a cancer of the lung lining with suffers experiencing chest pains and breathlessness
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2005 has placed a clear responsibility upon employers and persons controlling a building to:
- Identify and manage any asbestos, and
- Inform staff and contractors as to the presence of asbestos in the workplace
Failure to do so may result in enforcement action being taken against, not only the business, but also the landlords, owners or directors resulting in significant compensation payments, fines and court costs being levied.
At Safety & Management Solutions Ltd we are qualified via the British Occupational Hygiene Society P.402- Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos to undertake Type 1, 2 and 3 surveys which are completed in line with the HSE Guidance MDHS 100 – Surveying, Sampling and Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials. We will then ensure that all samples will be surveyed by a UKAS accredited laboratory.
On completion of the analysis, the findings will be incorporated within a comprehensive report which includes the preparation of the required register, assessments along with advice and guidance on how best to manage any asbestos containing materials in the future.
In addition if you are concerned that your home may have asbestos present then at Safety and Management Solutions Limited our staff would be pleased to advise and guide you on how it can be controlled giving you and your family a peace of mind for the future.
