Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in a range of building materials to make them more rigid and fire resistant from the 1950s through to the mid 1980s
Unfortunately it has been found to be extremely harmful to human health and is now banned.
What are the health risks which can arise from exposure to asbestos?
What are the health risks which can arise from exposure to asbestos?Asbestos is responsible for over 5000 deaths every year. Younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases than older workers. This is due to the time it takes for the body to develop symptoms after exposure to asbestos (latency).
Exposure to asbestos can cause the following diseases:
Mesothelioma – A cancer of the lining of the lungs; it is always fatal and is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestosis – A scarring of the lungs which is not always fatal but can be a very debilitating disease, greatly affecting quality of life.
Diffuse pleural thickening – A thickening of the membrane surrounding the lungs which can restrict lung expansion leading to breathlessness.
What is the ‘duty to manage’ asbestos and who has it?
The duty to manage asbestos is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4). It applies to the owners and occupiers of commercial premises (such as shops, offices, industrial units etc.) who have responsibility for maintenance and repair activities. In addition to this, owners and occupiers have a duty to assess the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is present, or is presumed to be present, then it must be managed appropriately. The duty also applies to the shared parts of some domestic premises.
I need an Asbestos Survey carried out; can you do this?
I need an Asbestos Survey carried out; can you do this?Yes, if you fill in the contact form, we will get back to you.
I have discovered asbestos in (my garden, an alleyway beside my property etc) and I need it disposed of, What should I do?
Our fully trained asbestos operatives can remove and dispose of the asbestos at a licensed waste transfer station. We hold a waste carriers licence which enables us to transport waste from site to landfill, complying with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Waste Management (Scotland) Regulations 2011. We will also supply you with the relevant documentation proving that the waste was disposed of safely.
