Asbestos Analytical Services
It is a legal requirement for duty holders of industrial and commercial properties built before 2000 to establish if the building for which they are responsible contains asbestos and , if it does, compile a plan to safely manage it.
Does Your Building Have Asbestos?
Asbestos was used extensively from the 19th century onwards in the construction industry due to its range of desirable properties. Not only was it well regarded for its high tensile strength but it was also used extensively because it was non-flammable and a great insulator making it an ideal material to use in the manufacture of many different products. It was also easily accessible and cheap so was used in all types of construction projects, including housing, industrial buildings, ship building and more.
It wasn’t until the late 20th century that asbestos exposure was found to be the cause of several serious health problems. As a result asbestos was banned from use in the UK in 1999. This however means that if your building was constructed prior to 1999 there is a possibility that it may contain asbestos.
Health Risks of Asbestos
Some of the main health risks associated with asbestos exposure include –
- Asbestosis – a chronic respiratory disease caused by inflamed asbestos fibres aggravating the lung tissues and causing them to scar.
- Lung cancer – this is responsible for the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma – a form of cancer that usually occurs in the thin membrane lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen and sometimes the heart.
- Pleural thickening – thickening and swelling of the lining of the lungs.
How is Asbestos Analysed?
The first step in analysing asbestos is to confirm whether in fact it is present in your building. An asbestos survey should be arranged so that you can determine if your building has any asbestos containing materials (ACMs).
The surveyors will take samples of any suspected ACMs before sending them to a laboratory where they will be tested and analysed. Analysis of suspected materials can only be performed by laboratories that have been accredited to do so by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Detection and analysis is undertaken using polarised light microscopy and dispersion staining techniques by qualified analysts.
Asbestos fibres cannot always be seen with the naked eye and are often mixed with other materials, which is why arranging for a survey and analysis is the only way to categorically confirm whether asbestos is present in your building.
Exposure to asbestos can be fatal so it’s essential that you utilise a professional and certified asbestos testing company to take samples and analyse any suspected materials. They have the necessary experience, knowledge and equipment to carry out all processes safely and accurately.
Another method of analysing asbestos is asbestos air testing, which generally involves using a pump to draw an air sample through a filter. The filter is then taken and examined under a microscope for asbestos fibres.
What Happens if Asbestos is Found in my Building?
If analysis finds that your property does contain asbestos, the condition of the ACM and the threat it currently poses will determine how it is managed.
If the ACM is undamaged and in good condition it isn’t likely to present an immediate threat to your health and can often be left as it is. If this is the case, the material should be regularly monitored to make sure that it remains in good condition and hasn’t deteriorated and become dangerous. Asbestos is only a risk when the material is damaged and the fibres become airborne as they can then be inhaled and subsequently become trapped inside the body. An asbestos management plan will be created establishing procedures for safely managing all ACMs in your building.
On the other hand if the ACM is in poor condition, (degrading or broken, for example), measures will need to be implemented as soon as possible to mitigate the possibility of fibre release. This is usually achieved with either removal of the ACM, or encapsulation (providing the ACM isn’t damaged beyond repair, it can be sealed and/or enclosed to ensure it will not readily release fibres).
It is vital that only certified and licensed companies, such as Rightway Environmental, carry out asbestos removal and encapsulation processes. We have all the specialist equipment, knowledge and expertise to safely remove asbestos in strict compliance with the Health and Safety Executive Legislation and approved codes of practice. You should never attempt to remove or interfere with any ACMs. Asbestos can be incredibly dangerous and exposure to it can be fatal.
Certified Asbestos Testing & Removal with Rightway Environmental
If you think your building contains asbestos, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. Specialising in asbestos removal and encapsulation we can help you identify whether it is present and ensure it is safely managed.
See more: How Much Will Asbestos Removal Cost?