Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely used in building materials due to its insulating properties and resistance to heat. However, when disturbed or damaged, asbestos can release harmful fibers into the air which can cause serious health problems including lung diseases and cancer. Recognizing these dangers, governments around the world have implemented strict legal requirements for managing asbestos in older buildings.
In most countries like the United Kingdom, it is mandatory for all non-domestic premises built before 2000 to have an up-to-date asbestos survey. This requirement also applies to residential buildings with shared communal areas such as hallways or stairwells. dive into the details primary aim of these surveys is to locate any presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned maintenance work.
There are two types of legally required surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is designed to identify ACMs that might be disturbed during regular activities. It typically involves minor intrusive work and some disturbance to confirm whether suspected materials contain asbestos.
On the other hand, a refurbishment/demolition survey is more extensive and aims at locating all ACMs before any major works take place on a property. These are fully intrusive and may involve destructive inspection methods if necessary.
The law requires that these surveys must be carried out by accredited professionals who have undergone appropriate training in accordance with guidelines set by regulatory bodies such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). Once completed, an Asbestos Register should be produced detailing where any ACMs are located within the premises along with their condition.
If no ACMs are found during the survey then no further action is required until there’s a need for refurbishment or demolition works when another assessment would then be needed. If however, ACMs are discovered they must not be tampered with unless done so by licensed contractors following proper safety procedures.
It’s important that building owners keep an up-to-date record of the asbestos survey and make it available to anyone who may need to work on or in the premises. Failure to comply with these legal requirements can result in hefty fines or even imprisonment.
In conclusion, the legal requirements for asbestos surveys in older buildings are not only a matter of compliance but also a critical step towards ensuring public health and safety. They allow for proper management and control of any potential risks associated with asbestos exposure, thereby protecting both building occupants and workers involved in maintenance or refurbishment activities.