An Overview of Asbestos Detection and Identification

Asbestos is a natural mineral that humans have used for thousands of years due to its strength, fire resistance and insulation properties. In the 19th century the Industrial Revolution caused an explosion in asbestos use throughout the world and it quickly became a common construction material.

Roughly 1.5 million buildings in the UK are estimated to contain asbestos, despite its use being banned in 1999. This guide is designed to detail the process behind detecting, identifying and safely dealing with asbestos. If your building was built before 1999, and you’re concerned about asbestos,  you may wish to organise a survey to discover if asbestos is present within your building. Here at  Rightway Environmental we have the experience and knowledge to undertake surveys and , if necessary, carry out any asbestos removal or remedial work necessary.

Hazmat Workmen

What is Asbestos?

A naturally occurring fibre, asbestos was widely used in a variety of industries for many years. There are 3 main asbestos types that were commonly used :

  • Blue (crocidolite)
  • Brown (amosite)
  • White (chrysotile)

When intact and undamaged asbestos is not hazardous to the health of those in your building. If damaged in any way asbestos can release tiny fibres that can be inhaled into your lungs. Inhaling asbestos fibres can severely damage the lungs over years causing a variety of diseases varying from asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) to asbestos-related lung cancer.

As a result of the threat posed by asbestos the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 legislation was introduced placing legal obligations on duty holders and building owners to safely manage any asbestos that may exist within a building. Regulation 4 of the legislation sets out the duty to manage asbestos within buildings.

Where is Asbestos Found and How to Identify it?

Asbestos use was so widespread that it can be found in almost any construction from the 20th century, including, but not limited to:

  • Fire Protection Insulation
  • Textured Coatings such as Artex.
  • Vinyl Floor Tiles
  • Fireplaces
  • Sheds & garage roof panels and tiles
  • Soffits , Guttering, Drain and Soil Pipework.
  • Boiler and pipe insulation – some boilers were even coated in asbestos for insulation
  • Air conditioning and heating systems
  • Storage heaters

It is not always possible to determine the presence of asbestos visually. The best way to receive 100% verification is to undertake a professional asbestos survey. If you suspect that your home or other building contains asbestos do not disturb the suspect material and arrange for a surveying company to carry out testing.

Asbestos Surveying

Surveying for asbestos is a key factor when looking to detect and manage asbestos. When looking to begin the survey process it’s important to check if any information exists from previous surveys, removal or remedial work that may have been carried out. Existing surveys, asbestos management plans, building and architectural records can all be useful in giving an indication as to the likelihood of asbestos existing in a building. A surveying company should ask if such records exist and carry out a desk top study of them prior to undertaking the survey.

. There are three main types of survey:

Management Surveys

A  management survey is undertaken to determine whether asbestos is present in a building. This gives duty holders the knowledge required to comply with  their obligations under the Regulations.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

When a building is due to undergo refurbishment works, full or partial demolition this type of survey must be undertaken to ensure no asbestos containing materials are disturbed during the proposed works.

Re-Inspection Surveys

Once asbestos has been detected in a building it should be reinspected at regular intervals to ensure that it has not deteriorated or been damaged and consequently become hazardous to building occupants. This type of inspection  is also known as a condition survey.  The surveyor will , if the asbestos has become hazardous, make recommendations in the report for any remedial action he considers necessary for the continued safe management of the material.

Asbestos Training & Consultancy

It is important that the presence of ACM’s (Asbestos Containing Materials) within a building is brought to the attention of everyone who could potentially come into contact with it including contractors and maintenance staff that may carry out work in the building. There is  under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 a legal obligation for  any person who may potentially during the course of their working lives come into contact with ACM’s, to receive Asbestos Awareness Training.

Following a survey that detects asbestos, employees should be given a full briefing to explain how asbestos is being managed in the property to ensure the safety of all staff and visitors in the building. Many businesses opt to outsource this training to asbestos awareness training professionals.

The training is UKATA approved (United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association) and covers subjects such as diseases caused by asbestos, relevant legislation, the history of asbestos and an understanding of the use of the material within buildings.

Asbestos Removal, Encapsulation & Decontamination

In the event that asbestos in your building is deemed unsafe and action is needed to mitigate this there are two possible processes which can be taken.

Removal

A bespoke removal service is crucial as every building and ACM can be different. Full PPE, respirators and specialist equipment is required in order to remove asbestos. Most types of asbestos can only be removed by a contractor that has been licensed by the HSE to do so. Following removal air monitoring tests are undertaken by independent analysts to ensure the area is safe for reoccupation.

Encapsulation

Provided that the asbestos has not been damaged beyond repair it is often possible to carry out encapsulation of the material preventing the possibility of fibre release. The viability of encapsulation as opposed to removal has to take into consideration the vulnerability of the ACM and the likelihood of future damage and deterioration. Encapsulation is frequently a cheaper option than removal and the process can be undertaken using a number if different encapsulants such as sheet metal cladding , fibreglass and purpose made paints. Warning labels are then applied to prevent accidental disturbance.

Asbestos Surveys & Removal with Rightway Environmental

We have provided domestic, commercial & industrial asbestos services for over 30 years. All of the services offered by Rightway Environmental are carried out in strict compliance with Health & Safety Executive Legislation.

If you’re concerned about asbestos in your home, business or other building, contact us today to talk with one of our experts.