Compliant Asbestos Surveys for Libraries
As a place many visit for leisure, education and information, it is of the utmost importance that libraries are safe for all visitors. Any public building that was constructed or refurbished before the year 2000 still poses a risk of holding asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In fact, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), new research reveals that many local authority buildings (including libraries) still contain asbestos more than 22 years after the use of ACMs was banned in new buildings (1999). If disturbed, or left unchecked, these ACMs could cause serious health risks for all users of the building.
Navigating the risks associated with being a building dutyholder can be complex. This is where Pillars Environmental can step in, to help you remain compliant with the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, which outline that it is the dutyholder’s responsibility to address the risk of asbestos exposure within their premises. It is highly recommended that non-licensed individuals outsource their asbestos management needs to licensed asbestos consultants, such as ourselves.
Providing each customer with a bespoke package of asbestos services, we carry out four types of asbestos surveys for cafes across England, including: Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys (R&D), Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS), Asbestos Removal Management and Asbestos Re-Inspections.
Types of Public Sector Buildings We Work With:
| Museums | Shops |
| Restaurants | Cafes |
| Hospitals | Schools |
OVER 30 YEARS
OF EXPERIENCE
HANDLING
ASBESTOS
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys For Libraries
Any public sector building with an older structure that is due to be refurbished and/or demolished, needs a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey (or an R&D asbestos survey, previously known as a Type 3 asbestos survey).
As older buildings pose a higher risk of containing ACMs, R&D surveys are recommended due to their invasive testing procedure. This is why it is crucial that all library visitors are vacated from the premises during the survey, not only to keep everyone safe, but also to comply with health and safety regulations as a dutyholder.
Samples taken during the survey will only ever be extracted in accordance with the HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide. After these samples have been tested at an authorised laboratory, our team of asbestos experts will be able to confirm the presence of ACMs within your premises.
If any ACMs are found, we will contact you to begin planning the next steps.
“The duty to manage asbestos in buildings covers all non-domestic premises, such as factories, museums, warehouses, shops, restaurants, cafes, hospitals and schools.” ~ HSE
Asbestos Management Surveys For Libraries
For buildings that were constructed closer to the year 2000, Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS) (previously referred to as Type 2 asbestos surveys) take on a much less invasive approach than R&D surveys. For instance, during an AMS, it is safe for all library visitors to remain on the premises should they wish to.
To ensure minimal disruption is caused to public sector buildings, such as libraries, our licensed team will always carry out asbestos management surveys in the most respectful and considerate way possible. This means we are likely to only take samples from empty or unoccupied areas of the library.
After assessing the status of your building, our specialist team will then be able to advise you on how to best manage any potential ACMs accordingly, either through an Asbestos Management Plan or Asbestos Removal Management.
BESPOKE ASBESTOS SERVICES
OFFERING TAILORED, EXPERT ADVICE
Asbestos Removal Management Surveys For Libraries
Often thought of as one of the more complicated and lengthy processes in the industry, Asbestos Removal Management is made simple and efficient by our professional and knowledgeable team.
Asbestos removal management is commonly recommended after ACMs have been detected within your premises during the AMS undertaken. The vital next step in this process is asbestos removal.
As an ARCA and ACAD accredited asbestos survey company, we pride ourselves on always adhering to the latest HSE recommendations. For instance, the HSE strongly advises dutyholders that only fully trained asbestos consultants should manage any ACMs found in your building.
Asbestos Re-Inspection Surveys For Libraries
If ACMs have been detected within your premises, but have been left in good condition, some types of asbestos (such as those with fibres that are unlikely to be readily released) are safe to be left in situ – with regular compliance checks carried out. Our Asbestos Re-Inspection services can help with this, keeping your building safe and compliant.
This is especially significant for constructions built before 2000, as older buildings pose a higher risk of containing ACMs with deteriorated conditions and inspection reports that have passed their expiry date.
THOROUGH & DETAILED SURVEYS
Asbestos Surveys For Libraries FAQs
Where is asbestos commonly found in libraries?
According to the HSE, there are several common locations for asbestos to be found in libraries, including but not limited to:
- Asbestos lagging, commonly used as thermal insulation on pipes and boilers
- Sprayed asbestos, often used for thermal insulation, fire protection, partitioning and ducts
- Asbestos-insulating board (AIB) used for fire protection, thermal insulation, partitioning and ducts
- Ceiling tiles
- Floor tiles
- Cement roofing
- Cement guttering
- Textured coatings
How long will an asbestos survey take?
Our comprehensive packages of asbestos services are tailored to the unique requirements of your site, meaning every project is different. If your building is an older construction, it may require a more invasive method, such as an R&D survey, to thoroughly assess the potential presence of any ACMs. Whereas, if your building is slightly newer, it may only require an asbestos management survey, which requires a less invasive approach.
What is the cost of an asbestos survey?
Asbestos survey costs can vary significantly depending on the individual requirements of your specific library location(s), including: the location of suspected ACMs, any specialist equipment needed, etc.
For a better idea, get in touch with us today for a free quote.
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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…
