Frequently Asked Asbestos Questions

What are the health risks from asbestos?

Asbestos is responsible for over 4500 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 four main diseases:

Mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lungs; it is always fatal and is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos-related lung cancer – which is almost always fatal.

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 these responsibilities, they also 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.

What is an asbestos survey and do I need one?

An asbestos survey is an effective way to help you manage asbestos in your premises by providing accurate information about the location, amount and type of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Is an Asbestos survey free?

No. We will be happy to offer you free advice and will give you a free consultation but actually carrying out an Asbestos survey does carry a cost.

I have just bought a property; I think it could contain asbestos?

If it was built before 1999 then yes it can. There are numerous products constructed with asbestos, which could have been used when your property was constructed. If you are thinking of buying a property and are concerned that it may contain asbestos, then we highly recommend that you have it surveyed before you commit to buy

I have some asbestos in my garden and I need it disposed of what should I do?

Both outbuildings and garden buildings can contain asbestos, so it is not limited to larger domestic or commercial buildings. We can remove and dispose of the Asbestos at a licensed dumping unit. We will also supply you with written documentation proving that you disposed of the Asbestos safely.