What is asbestos
By Josh Buckle
May 9th 2021
Do I need an asbestos survey?
It’s no secret that asbestos is a very harmful substance. Exposure to the fibres can cause serious damage to your long-term health. Only through surveying can we ensure asbestos is identified and removed safely. As a homeowner, a survey will ensure the safety of yourself and your family. As outlined in the 2012 Control of Asbestos Regulations, employers also have a duty to identify and manage asbestos. They must also and provide annual asbestos training to any workers who may encounter it.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was commonly used in the construction industry in the UK until 1999. The Health and Safety Executive website states that “asbestos still kills over 5000 workers every year”. Although it may not be headline news, it is still affecting thousands of people. The symptoms of asbestos exposure can take decades to show, meaning many aren’t aware of the damage caused until it’s too late.
Where is asbestos found?
Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos were not known at the height of its use. So many buildings constructed before the year 2000 contain asbestos. It can be found in many areas including insulation, flooring, roofing, and textured coatings such as Artex. It is also found in water tanks, toilet cisterns, and cement products.
What should I do if I suspect there is asbestos in my home or at work?
If you think you may have asbestos in your home, or at your place of work, the first rule is to leave it alone. Undisturbed asbestos has a much lower risk of releasing dangerous fibres into the atmosphere. Trying to remove it could put you at risk of exposure. Even in small amounts, the fibres can be dangerous. It should always be dealt with by licenced asbestos removal companies. Booking an asbestos survey is the only way to check for asbestos in your property or building.
At JB Asbestos, our expert team have experience dealing with asbestos in commercial and residential properties. When it comes to asbestos, don’t take any risks. We will complete a full survey, to ensure all areas are examined and any asbestos is identified and removed professionally. We are also able to take a consultancy or project management role in providing expert advice regarding any asbestos identified within your property.
Do you need an asbestos survey? Leave it to the experts
We pride ourselves on completing expert asbestos surveys for clients nationwide. We are based in Birmingham but provide services across the UK. We can carry out asbestos surveys on commercial, local authority, industrial and residential properties and ensure our reports are transparent and easy to understand.
If you need to book an asbestos survey for your property or would like to find out more information, contact a member of our team today.