A potential hazard within industrial workplaces, such as factories and warehouses, is the presence of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). As the dutyholder of such buildings, the protection, health and safety of your staff is a huge priority – as ACMs can pose very serious health risks.
Similar to obtaining an asbestos report for a commercial property, undertaking asbestos surveys for your industrial property will leave you reassured that you and your staff will be safe. Read on to learn more about why asbestos surveys are crucial for industrial spaces.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can take the form of a carcinogen, causing very serious health issues. Due to its heat, electricity and corrosion resistance, asbestos was commonly used in the construction and industrial sectors. Many ACMs were utilised for the construction of both domestic and commercial properties during the 1900s – their qualities made them very useful for the purposes of: insulation, floor tiles, ceilings, cement sheets, and much more. This was until asbestos was completely banned in the UK in 1999.
Consequently, only fully trained asbestos consultants should survey or re-inspect any potential ACMs within your industrial property. Here at Pillars Environmental, we have over 35 years of combined industry experience and as a result, we will only ever carry out our asbestos management services in line with the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation.
What Types of Asbestos Products Are Found in Industrial Buildings?
There are many different types of asbestos products. Some of the most commonly used types in industrial buildings included:
- Insulation for pipework and boilers
- Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
- Lining panels to walls and ceilings
- Corrugated cement sheets
Who is Responsible for an Industrial Asbestos Survey?
According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations (2012), the dutyholder of the building is responsible for…
‘…assessing the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials in their buildings.’
However, whilst it is a legal requirement that UK dutyholders of industrial properties (built before 2000) carry out an asbestos survey on their premises, it is unlikely that the building’s dutyholder will have the training and competency to handle the asbestos themselves. This is where we come in.
What Help is Available for a Dutyholder?
At Pillars Environmental, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of asbestos services. This includes Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (also known as R&D asbestos surveys), Asbestos Management Surveys, Asbestos Management Plans, Asbestos Removal Management and Asbestos Re-Inspections.
Our comprehensive range of asbestos surveys could result in the need for an asbestos management plan and frequent asbestos re-inspections, providing you with an in-depth service and giving you peace of mind – not only that you and your staff will be safe, but also that you will be fulfilling your legal obligations as a dutyholder.
How Can a Dutyholder Avoid Risk?
To ensure guaranteed safety for you and your staff, as well as total compliance with the latest health and safety legislation – carrying out asbestos surveys, R&D asbestos surveys, asbestos management plans, asbestos removals or asbestos re-inspections are the ideal solution. This will mitigate the risk of potential health issues and costly fines for non-compliance.
Ready to Make Your Industrial Workplace Safe and Legally Compliant?
Contact us today to arrange any of our asbestos services, tailored to you and your industrial property.
