Asbestos Consultancies – Why Are They Needed?
Most of us are aware that asbestos is a dangerous substance. Asbestos attributes to thousands of deaths each year and causes serious lung diseases. However, what perhaps may surprise many is that asbestos is likely to be found in all commercial buildings which were built prior to 2000 when it’s use in construction was banned. This means that almost all offices, warehouses, hospitals, schools and other commercial buildings are likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos consultancies are on hand to assist those who manage buildings, and those looking to refurbish or demolish to ascertain what steps need to be taken to identify and safeguard against the dangers posed from asbestos.
When Might you need asbestos consultancies?
Reasons for contacting an asbestos consultancy may vary. For domestic homes, it may be that you are undertaking refurbishment work, or have recently purchased a property and there is a likelihood of asbestos being present and require a survey to confirm. In some cases, a contractor working within areas of your home may have identified a material which may be asbestos, and an asbestos consultant is needed to both test the material and send off for analysis.
For larger buildings, an asbestos management survey may be required in order to both identify areas where asbestos may be present, and also undertake works and project planning to manage any risks posed.
Wherever larger construction work is being planned, an asbestos demolition survey should be carried out – as the likelihood is that any existing asbestos will be disturbed during the works.
Who Might Need to Use Asbestos Consultancies?
Any building in which there may be asbestos present is likely to, at some point, require the services of an asbestos consultancy. From schools and hospitals to warehouses and office buildings, the need for management of asbestos is critical. From air testing to monitoring the concentration of asbestos fibres within the air, to full removal management services. There may be a wide range of reasons that you may need to call out an asbestos expert.
Here at Acorn Analytical Services, we deal with all types of clients looking for asbestos consultancy, from NHS trusts to small developers undertaking works, via large scale construction companies. The truth is – if you are responsible for a building that may have asbestos present, you are likely at some point to require the services of an asbestos company.
How Soon Should You Get in Touch with an Asbestos consultancy?
Organisations have a legal obligation to properly manage the risks associated with the presence of asbestos in premises which are non-domestic, known as a Duty to Manage. Failure to follow these regulations results in not just huge financial penalties, but of course, possible loss of life, which can, in turn, result in further financial losses and even possible criminal charges. Therefore if you have any concerns that your building does not have an asbestos management plan in place, you should contact an asbestos consultancy straight away.
