Asbestos Risk Assessment

Assess asbestos risk: rapid professional reports

Asbestos was widely used in construction throughout the 20th century due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. However, the potential risks of severe health issues arising from contact with asbestos have led to strict control measures governing its use, removal, and management.

Due to its widespread use, asbestos remains present in many buildings, necessitating proper risk assessment and management to prevent exposure. Conducting an asbestos risk assessment is essential to ensure safety and compliance with legal requirements, particularly when working on older buildings.

Historic use of asbestos in construction

Before being banned in 1990, asbestos containing materials were commonly found in:

• Insulation material: in walls, ceilings, pipes, and boilers.
• Flooring: vinyl tiles and adhesives often contained asbestos.
• Fireproofing materials: asbestos was applied to steel beams, fire doors, and protective coatings.
• Cement products: asbestos can be found in guttering, soffits, and downpipes.
• Decorative coatings: Artex and similar textured coatings frequently contained asbestos fibres.
• Roofing and cladding: corrugated asbestos cement sheets were widely used in industrial and agricultural buildings.

Risks to people and property from asbestos

Asbestos becomes a significant health hazard when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled.

The primary risks to human health include:

• Mesothelioma: a rare and aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos.
• Asbestosis: a chronic lung disease that leads to scarring of lung tissue and respiratory failure.
• Lung cancer: asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
• Pleural thickening: a condition where the lung lining thickens, reducing lung function.

Property risks include:

• Structural degradation: damaged asbestos materials can release fibres, leading to costly remediation efforts.
• Legal and financial liabilities: property owners may face legal action if they fail to manage asbestos risks properly.
• Construction and renovation delays: asbestos discoveries can halt or delay projects until appropriate mitigation measures are taken.

When is an Asbestos Risk Assessment needed?

An asbestos risk assessment is required in several circumstances:

• Before any refurbishment or demolition work: under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, an asbestos survey must be conducted before disturbing materials in buildings constructed before 2000.
• During property transactions: buyers and tenants may require an asbestos survey as part of due diligence.
• For risk management in workplaces: employers must assess and manage asbestos risks in buildings where employees work.
• When suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are found: if materials are damaged or deteriorating, an appropriate asbestos risk assessment is necessary to determine the level of risk.

Asbestos and the planning system

Asbestos management plans play a crucial role in the planning and development process. Local planning authorities require professional asbestos assessments before granting approval for demolition or renovation projects. The key regulatory considerations include:

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: duty holders are required to manage asbestos risks in non-domestic properties.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: responsibility is placed on employers and property owners to ensure safety.
• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: asbestos risks must be assessed as part of construction planning.
• Planning permissions for demolition: local authorities often require an asbestos risk assessment before issuing approval.

Failure to comply with asbestos risk assessment regulations can result in fines, project delays, and potential prosecution.

The stages of an Asbestos Risk Assessment

An asbestos risk assessment involves several key steps:

1. Initial survey and inspection: a qualified asbestos surveyor conducts a site visit to identify asbestos.
2. Sampling and laboratory analysis: if suspected ACMs are found, samples are collected and analysed by accredited laboratories.
3. Risk evaluation: the assessment must consider the type and condition of asbestos, its location, and potential for disturbance of ACMs.
4. Risk mitigation recommendations: based on findings, the report outlines the control measures required such as encapsulation, removal, or ongoing monitoring.
5. Asbestos management plan: if asbestos remains in place and there is no likelihood of disturbance, a management plan is created to ensure safe handling and monitoring.
6. Clearance and air testing: if removal is necessary, air monitoring ensures fibre levels are within safe limits before reoccupation.

Who can conduct an Asbestos Risk Assessment?

Employers and property owners must ensure that any asbestos-related work is undertaken by competent and certified professionals to minimise health risks and legal liabilities. Qualified professionals include:

• UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyors: trained specialists who conduct surveys and sample analysis.
• Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors: required for high-risk asbestos removal work in specific areas.
• Health and Safety consultants: provide asbestos risk management and compliance advice.
• Environmental Agencies and Regulators: ensure adherence to asbestos safety regulations.

Identify asbestos and manage risk

Asbestos risk assessment is a vital process in managing the dangers associated with asbestos-containing materials in buildings. Given its historical use in construction, asbestos remains a prevalent hazard that requires careful material assessment and management. Whether for refurbishment, demolition, or routine property maintenance work, asbestos risk assessments and management plans help safeguard human health, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect property investments.

By engaging qualified professionals and adhering to legal requirements, asbestos risks can be effectively controlled. Knowledgeable geo-environmental consultants at Arbtech carry out these surveys across the UK. For further information, fill in the contact form at the top of this page.