Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre used until late 1990’s as a binder and reinforcing agent in a larger variety of commonly occurring products.

Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) range from the obvious corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets, insulation and lagging, fire retardant boards – predominantly in commercial buildings, to Artex, PVC tiles, and old black toilet cisterns and seats, building papers, insulants and adhesives. 

Work with asbestos is regulated under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and further information is available from the HSE, hse.gov.uk./asbestos.  Work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coatings and asbestos insulation board should in most cases be carried out by a licensed contractor.  It is mandatory for those people responsible for places of work, which include communal areas to residential flats, to ensure that an Asbestos Register has been prepared for the relevant premises.  In addition to which, a management strategy should be put in place for the continuing monitoring and maintenance of any asbestos located.  We can assist with the preparation of the Register and management strategy.

There are three levels of survey for preparation of the Register.

Type 1 - A visual inspection, which we can carry out.  This enables the initial Register to be prepared and ensures compliance with the Act.

Type 2 - This survey goes one step further including the sampling of any suspected materials, from a surface inspection or  accessible ducts, etc.  This is useful when known minor works  are to be carried out or in circumstances where the assumed  asbestos containing material is in a poor state of repair or  liable to damage.

Type 3 - The Type 3 inspection is a complete inspection opening up all ducts and voids and testing all suspected materials and is
necessary for major refurbishment works or demolition. 

We have experience at procuring both Type 2 and Type 3 inspections from licensed asbestos contractors.

Asbestos Registers should be available in all places of work for inspection by anyone carrying out works in that premises.