If you are the dutyholder of a commercial building that was constructed before the year 2000 (before the final ban on asbestos occurred in the UK), or you are planning renovation or demolition works for your premises, read about the importance of R&D asbestos surveys for older buildings here.
What Is An R&D Asbestos Survey?
A Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Survey (formerly known as a type 3 asbestos survey) locates all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within your property before any planned maintenance, refurbishment or demolition works are due to take place and assesses their condition. Samples can be taken from the whole building or specified areas. Intrusive methods will be used to gain access to hidden areas, such as wall cavities and ceiling voids, etc. If these areas are inaccessible, ACMs will be presumed to be present in that area until proven otherwise.
An R&D survey highlights the presence of asbestos, in turn preventing the accidental disturbance and release of any ACMs left in situ within the fabric of the building. This is very important because if any ACMs are broken or damaged during building works, they can release asbestos fibres into the air which can cause serious health issues for those exposed.
The Process Of An R&D Asbestos Survey
The Pillars Environmental asbestos consultants have over 35 years of combined experience, which we will use to undertake a thorough visual and intrusive inspection of all areas that could contain potential ACMs. If we find a material we suspect contains asbestos, we will take a small sample of the product in line with HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide.
These samples are then sent to an independent UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited lab for microscopic testing and confirmation of the presence of asbestos.
Due to the thorough and invasive approach adopted for this service, the areas that need to be inspected must be vacant at all times during the survey, to prevent harm coming to users of the building and allow our team full access to all areas.
Why Are R&D Asbestos Surveys Important For Older Buildings?
R&D surveys are usually recommended for older buildings, specifically those constructed pre-2000, as they are more likely to contain potential ACMs. This is due to asbestos products being widely used across the construction industry, reaching the peaks in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, etc.
Additionally, if you have purchased a domestic, commercial or industrial property which has not undertaken an asbestos survey prior to completion, you are now responsible for managing any ACMs left in situ within the fabric of the building. If the construction of the building pre-dates the year 2000, the asbestos survey must be undertaken to comply with regulations.
What Types Of Asbestos Products Are Found In Older Properties?
Before the final ban on asbestos in the UK (1999), the material was widespread in the construction industry due to its useful qualities:
- Heat-resistance
- Acoustic insulation
- Thermal insulation
- High tensile strength
- Flexibility, e.g. the ability to be woven
- Resistance to chemical, thermal and biological degradation
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), some common types of asbestos products found in older properties include:
- Ceiling tiles
- Pipe insulation
- Boilers
- Sprayed coatings
What Help Is Available For A Dutyholder?
At Pillars Environmental, our licensed asbestos specialists conduct a wide range of asbestos services tailored to you. This not only includes Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys, but also Asbestos Management Surveys, Asbestos Management Plans, Asbestos Removal Management and Asbestos Re-Inspections.
In some cases, our asbestos surveys can result in the need for an asbestos management plan and frequent asbestos re-inspections. This provides that extra peace of mind that you and your staff will be safe, and you will be fulfilling your legal obligations as a dutyholder.
How Much Does An R&D Asbestos Survey Cost?
The cost of an asbestos survey varies depending on the type of survey, the size of the building and the function of the building, e.g. whether it is domestic, commercial, industrial, etc.
Hence, every quote we provide is cost-specific to the building or site in question.
Get A Free R&D Asbestos Survey Quote Today
Inspecting, sampling and handling asbestos is a difficult and dangerous process for those with an untrained eye. This is where Pillars Environmental comes in – only fully trained asbestos contractors should survey or re-inspect any potential ACMs within your property.
Contact us today to arrange any of our asbestos services, tailored to you and your premises.
