A Guide To Asbestos.

The term asbestos is used to describe various forms of natural minerals, which have crystallised to form long fibres.  These fibres have a high chemical, heat and electrical resistance that when combined with a high tensile strength presents an attractive building material (particular as an insulator of fire proof barrier). 

It is now illegal to use asbestos in either construction or repair of any type of property since 2000, yet asbestos is in widespread existence within older buildings built before this time.

What is the health risk?

Asbestos poses a health risk only where fibres become airborne and can be inhaled.  Although looking at or touching asbestos is not harmful, such particles can be released by disturbing material that is in poor condition.

The 3 main diseases associated with asbestos exposure are:

• Asbestosis – an irreversible scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs.
• Lung cancer – evidence suggests that there is an increased risk for smokers
• Mesothelioma – a cancer of the inner chest wall or abdominal cavity.

Where would asbestos be found in a building?

Asbestos is most likely to be found in the following places:

• Plumbing installations
• Thermal insulation
• Insulation boards
• Sprayed coating
• Acoustic ceiling boards
• Suspended ceilings
• Corrugated cement sheets.
• Textured coated  ceilings
• Vinyl floor tiles

Who holds responsibility?

If you own, occupy, manage or are responsible for premises that may contain asbestos, you have a legal duty to:

• Produce a written plan which identifies areas of the premises where asbestos is present
• Set out and employ measures to manage the risk, including monitoring, maintaining or removal of materials.

What are the penalties for not having an asbestos survey and register?

• Maximum penalties (for directors and officers of companies) are two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

What is the solution?

If you are in any doubt as to the existence of asbestos in your property your first step should be to arrange for an asbestos risk assessment to be carried out by a specialist chartered surveyor.  Temple Chambers have broad knowledge and experience of asbestos surveys and will provide you will a detailed report that will highlight the presence of any asbestos containing materials and the risk that they pose.