Asbestos Surveys for Factory Buildings
Like various commercial properties, such as industrial units, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, offices and many more, the assigned dutyholder is responsible for the management of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present within their factory, or multiple factory buildings.
Upholding their asbestos duty is essential to ensure the health and safety of factory workers, visitors and maintenance alike, as stated in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. If your factory was built before 2000, it is likely that asbestos-containing materials could still be present within the industrial premises. Though the complete ban on ACMs came into force in 1999, numerous commercial and residential properties still have ACMs present and as such, they require proper identification and testing to ensure their presence is not harmful to those who occupy the building. Failure to comply with these important regulations could result in hefty fines or charges as a result, so it is key to ensure that your factory is up to date with the condition of any current ACMs on the premises.
At Pillars Environmental, we are expert asbestos consultants who have decades of experience working across various commercial and domestic sectors. We undertake three types of asbestos surveys for factories across England, including: Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys (R&D), Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS) and Asbestos Re-Inspections.
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Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys For Factories
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys, previously referred to as Type 3 asbestos surveys, are required when very significant building works are due to take place within your factory. Commonly known as an R&D survey also, this could include either full or partial demolition and refurbishment works to your factory, and any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are presumed to be broken, disturbed or exposed in the process.
R&D surveys opt for a much more invasive approach when inspecting the ACMs in comparison to Asbestos Management Surveys. For R&D surveys, it’s essential that the suspected locations with ACMs present are completely vacated whilst the survey is being carried out, as this will ensure the safety of all building users. Our professional team of asbestos surveyors will extract samples of the ACMs within your factory facility, in line with the guidance set out by the HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide. Following this, we will then package and send the potential ACMs to a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited lab for expert asbestos testing. From here, it will then be known whether or not asbestos is present, and if so, what needs to be done in order to control it appropriately.
‘The duty to manage covers all non-domestic premises. Such premises include all industrial, commercial or public buildings such as factories, warehouses, education, shops, hospitals and schools.’
Asbestos Management Surveys For Factories
Asbestos Management Surveys for factories employ less intrusive investigation techniques and sampling compared with an R&D survey. Formally regarded as a Type 2 asbestos survey, Asbestos Management Surveys could be a more suitable option for your factory facility due to its more discreet methods of sampling and ability to be carried out with workers still present in the factory.
The processing methods will remain the same as an R&D survey, even though the sampling techniques differ. At Pillars Environmental, we only ever work with the most reputable and reliable UKAS-accredited labs to process and inspect the extracted samples. Our asbestos specialists can then advise you on how to best manage any ACMs in your factory through an Asbestos Management Plan or other asbestos removal management services if you decide to progress.
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Asbestos Re-Inspection Surveys For Factories
We can also offer an asbestos re-inspection service for your industrial factory if the ACMs in question need regular inspections. Should the ACMs remain in a satisfactory condition, we may advise that they remain in situ, but are reviewed periodically by an asbestos re-inspection service provider like ourselves. In doing so, we can ensure the ACMs are aligned with important health and safety legislation surrounding asbestos, and for your own peace of mind as the dutyholder.
Asbestos re-inspections are commonly suggested as a point of action within an Asbestos Management Plan. The management plan will detail how to sufficiently manage the ACMs present within your factory and may advise that asbestos re-inspection surveys are conducted periodically to ensure the condition of ACMs have not deteriorated since last reviewed.
Asbestos Surveys For Factories FAQs
Where is asbestos commonly found in factories?
The Health and Safety Executive writes that common places for asbestos to be found in commercial buildings include:
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- asbestos lagging, used as thermal insulation on pipes and boilers
- sprayed asbestos used for thermal insulation, fire protection, partitioning and ducts
- asbestos-insulating board (AIB) used for fire protection, thermal insulation, partitioning and ducts
- some ceiling tiles
- floor tiles
- cement roofing and guttering
- textured coatings
How long will an asbestos survey take?
Depending on the areas where asbestos is suspected, the size and scale of the factory premises, area access and so on, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. Whether it is one section, or the whole factory building, this can vary greatly depending on the size, condition and age of the wider building in question – as well as the type of survey required. Get in touch with us today for a free quote.
What is the cost of an asbestos survey?
The cost of an asbestos survey will also vary depending on the individual requirements of your individual location(s), including: the location of suspected ACMs, any specialist equipment required and numerous other factors too. The most appropriate way to get an accurate idea of pricing is to contact our friendly team today!
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Areas We Offer Asbestos Surveys
ASBESTOS
SURVEYS
We undertake Asbestos Management Surveys and Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys, both of which are HSG264-compliant…
ASBESTOS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Our Asbestos Management Plans detail how you can manage asbestos in your property, in line with legislation…
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We can oversee Asbestos Removal projects to ensure a thorough, safe and compliant job is being undertaken…
