Asbestos Inspections Explained
Asbestos-containing materials are no longer used in construction, but not so long ago they were quite commonly used in the construction and refurbishment of both commercial and residential buildings. As a result, there are still many buildings that contain asbestos today, and when this material is disturbed then it can be catastrophic for your health. Asbestos has been linked to the development of several types of cancer and scarring of the lungs, which can be life-threatening. Worryingly, it's typical for those who are exposed to asbestos to experience no symptoms of poor health for several years, and when they do experience health problems, it's often too late for treatment to be successful.
The Purpose Of An Asbestos Inspection
An asbestos survey should be carried out when you take ownership of an older property that could potentially have been built or refurbished with asbestos-containing materials. The survey will provide information on the location of asbestos in your property and the amount of asbestos present. It will also tell you about the condition of the asbestos-containing material, which is an important factor in determining risk and the type of action required. Asbestos-containing materials that are damaged pose a higher risk to your health than those that are concealed and intact.
3 Common Types Of Inspection
There are three main types of asbestos inspections. A management inspection is carried out when you need to find out whether your property contains asbestos and has the aim of providing you with a management plan if asbestos is found. This type of inspection is suitable if you don't plan on making any alterations to the property and simply want to establish whether asbestos is present. A pre-demolition inspection should be carried out before any demolition work takes place in order to ensure no asbestos fibres are unwittingly released into the air during demolition. A pre-refurbishment inspection also has the aim to protect you and anyone else in the building from being exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres and should be carried out before any refurbishment work is undertaken.
Dealing With Asbestos
If asbestos is found during an inspection, you will be provided with your options for dealing with it in order to minimise risk of exposure. If the material containing asbestos is not showing any signs of damage, encapsulation may be suggested. This involves coating the asbestos-containing material with a substance that soaks into it to secure the fibres and create a barrier. Enclosing the affected area may also be a suitable approach. This involves the creation of an airtight barrier around any materials found to contain asbestos and can be a good option for pipes that are wrapped with insulation that contains asbestos. Removing the material that contains asbestos can provide peace of mind, but the removal process must be carried out following a strict set of procedures. Respirators and protective suits will need to be worn in the removal area and a deep clean of the treatment area will need to be carried out before occupancy.
Consult with an asbestos inspection company if you'd like to have your property checked.