Asbestos in a Building Survey Report: What to do if asbestos in property?

Discovering asbestos in a property can be worrying. A recent building survey in London highlighted this issue. Through our article, we'll show you how to spot and deal with asbestos safely.

Signs of Asbestos in a Home Survey Report

During a recent structural survey on a building, the surveyor spotted materials that might have asbestos. This was in parts like old floor tiles and insulation around pipes.

Property Description

The property is a mid-20th-century semi-detached house with a single garage. Its walls are made of cementitious board, typical for its time but now suspicious for containing asbestos.

It stands out because it hasn't seen any updates in years, making it an ideal case to investigate potential hazardous materials. The focus is on this residential building's unrenovated state and the construction materials used, bringing attention to the need for a thorough building inspection. A closer look at older homes can reveal hidden risks, urging immediate attention.

Suspected Asbestos Materials Found

Moving from the broad outline of the property, the building surveyor focused on certain materials that piqued his interest. Potential asbestos was discovered in various areas of the building, necessitating a more detailed examination.

1. A cementitious board in the garage walls initially garnered our interest. This material is renowned for its asbestos fibre content, often utilised for its fire-resistant properties.
2. Vinyl floor tiles spread across multiple rooms. These tiles may contain asbestos to reinforce them, providing durability but danger if disrupted.
3. We observed textured ceiling coverings above us. Despite their aesthetic appeal, these coatings pose a risk due to possible asbestos content.
4. Bakelite door handles, a vintage style feature, also warranted examination. Although they do not contain asbestos, their age could indicate asbestos-containing materials in surrounding structures.
5. Ancient fuse boxes and electrical fittings signalled another warning. Asbestos was frequently employed in older electrical installations for insulation.
6. Insulation around pipes and boilers, commonly known as pipe lagging, is a historically acknowledged source of asbestos exposure risks.
7. Pads around plug holes beneath kitchen sinks were also marked; these sink pads could conceal asbestos fibres put to use for their heat-resistant capabilities.

Each observation reflects standard uses of asbestos in buildings harking back several decades when its application was widespread, before the health risks were completely known.

Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Breathing in asbestos can hurt your lungs and make you very sick if disturbed. If people don't take care, being around asbestos is dangerous for everyone's health.

Lack of Safety Procedures

Not having the right safety measures can lead to big problems with asbestos. For example, during a roof panel alteration, not following safe steps can cause a risk of asbestos exposure. This happens because damaged boards and bits can be left all over the floor. It shows how important it is to know and use the correct ways to handle asbestos. Unsafe handling and neglect in following asbestos safety protocols can turn minor renovations into major health risks.

Potential Health Hazards

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues. If inhaled, tiny asbestos fibres can get trapped in the lungs and stay there for a long time. Over many years, these fibres can cause inflammation, scarring and eventually lead to lung diseases.

Some of the most severe conditions linked with asbestos include lung cancer, mesothelioma—a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen—and asbestosis, where lung tissue becomes scarred.

Identifying and managing asbestos risks are crucial steps to protect people from its dangers. Without proper safety measures, anyone exposed to asbestos faces an increased risk of developing these health problems later in life.

It's vital for building surveyors and others involved in property management to recognise potential asbestos hazards early on. This ensures that appropriate actions can be taken promptly to minimise exposure and safeguard health.

Recommendations for Dealing with Asbestos

Finding asbestos can be scary. It's key to test for it and follow safety steps closely.

Testing for Asbestos

To handle asbestos safely, one must first identify its presence. This step calls for a professional asbestos survey done by experts with the right licences. These professionals have the experience and tools to spot materials that might contain this risky substance without causing harm.

They will take samples in a secure manner and send them off for detailed analysis. Their work is crucial because disturbing asbestos without realising can release harmful fibres into the air.

After identifying where the asbestos is, or confirming it's not there, the next steps involve making plans based on facts. A licensed contractor must carry out any required testing before starting work that could disturb these materials.

It's all about being safe rather than sorry – ensuring people don't breathe in anything dangerous and keeping buildings free from hidden hazards.

Importance of Safety Measures

Safety measures are key to keep dangers from asbestos low. Wearing protective equipment and following strict procedures help prevent bad health effects. Handling and disposing of asbestos materials must be done right to keep everyone safe. This includes using special gear and making sure the area is clean after work.

Knowing how to deal with asbestos keeps workers and the public away from harm. Training in occupational safety ensures that all steps taken meet environmental regulations. This careful approach helps manage hazardous waste properly and keeps workplace safety at its best.

Conclusion

Asbestos still lurks in many buildings, posing risks we can't ignore. Testing and safe measures are key to handling asbestos right. Let’s keep our spaces safe for everyone by staying alert and informed about asbestos. Reach out to experts via Survey Merchant for help when you spot it. Read our Asbestos Information Sheet to know more.