What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a tough fibrous mineral product, resistant to fire and chemicals. Starting mainly after WW2, it was used in thousands of everyday items including building materials, until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Nowadays we ascertain the presence, quantity and risk of asbestos in our buildings by carrying out Asbestos Surveys.

If asbestos materials are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases. These diseases often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it can be too late to do anything. This is why it is important that you protect yourself now.

Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, more than the number of people killed on the road. But asbestos isn’t just a problem of the past. It is still present today in most buildings built before the year 2000.

The Duty to Manage Asbestos

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) set out the Duty to Manage Asbestos in non-domestic properties, and also the communal areas of domestic dwellings. If you or your business/organisation are responsible for building maintenance and repairs, you are the “Duty Holder” in terms of the asbestos management regulations.

Any buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. Every such commercial building is required to have an asbestos register in place and available for inspection by employees or tradespeople working on site.

The regulations are designed to protect employees and visitors from the dangers of asbestos in the workplace. Many UK insurance companies are now requiring that employers demonstrate that an Asbestos Risk Assessment has been carried out.

The Duty Holder can fulfil their obligations by employing an asbestos surveyor to create an asbestos survey report for the building in question. Initially an Asbestos Management survey should be carried out on the premises, which will provide the Asbestos Register for the property. This can then be supplemented with an Asbestos Management Plan, with the possibility of ongoing Asbestos Re-inspections to ensure that the legislation is met. Any further major works to the building will then require an Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition survey (often known as an Asbestos R&D Survey).

Asbestos Management Survey, West Yorkshire Playhouse – Mr D. Ross (Buildings Manager)

“Ranson Surveying responded quickly to an emergency situation in one of our buildings, and subsequently advised on asbestos removal works. We were impressed by the quality and speed of the services provided, and have instructed them to carry out further survey work on other buildings in our portfolio. We are more than happy to recommend Ranson Surveying for their asbestos surveying and consultancy services.”

Asbestos R & D Survey, Harrogate offices – Ms S. Taylor (Taylor Fawcett Solicitors)

“I am happy to confirm the work Ranson Surveying undertook was excellent in every way. The report was professional and comprehensive, and ended up saving me a considerable amount of money. Should I come across asbestos in the properties I deal with, I shall most certainly be calling on their services again. I’m most grateful for the work they carried out and have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Asbestos Management Survey, Ouse Lea, York – Mr P. Heritage (Estate Manager)

“Ranson Surveying carried out asbestos surveys of all communal areas, garages and the community building of our large flats complex at Ouse Lea, in York. We were very happy with the thoroughness of the survey and the professional way the final report and management plan were presented. We would not hesitate in recommending Ranson Surveying to anybody requiring an asbestos related survey being carried out.”

Asbestos R&D survey, Halifax chapel – Ms L. Broom (Verismart Properties Ltd)

“The surveyor was tremendously accommodating to the changing specifications of the project, and amended the survey in response. The report was well prepared and comprehensive. Service was beyond our expectation, even providing advice regarding the complex asbestos removal required – we have no hesitation in recommending Ranson Surveying for any Asbestos Survey needs.”