In the serene town of Orpington lies a rich tapestry of residential and commercial properties. However, lurking within these buildings’ beautiful walls and historic structures may be a silent and deadly threat: asbestos.
Once frequently used material for its versatility and resilience, it is now widely recognised as a hazardous material causing severe health issues. Due to this, conducting thorough asbestos surveys for every Orpington property is imperative for ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents and occupants.
Conduct a professional asbestos survey? Connect with our expert surveyors, and we will identify the absence or presence of asbestos in your home or office.
Call our supportive team on 0203 802 4648 or send an email to info@integralfm.co.uk today.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that has been extensively used in construction materials due to its heat resistance, strength, and other beneficial properties. Later, with advanced technology, it was concluded that it can lead to serious health complications, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Despite being on a strict ban and hazardous to health, its presence still lingers in countless buildings and houses that were constructed before its prohibition. According to HSE, asbestos-related diseases claim approximately 5000 lives in the UK each year.
Let us delve into the crucial role and importance of asbestos surveys in Orpington properties:
1. Identifying Risk
The first step in resolving any problem is identification. Asbestos surveys serve as the first line of defence against asbestos-related health hazards. Surveyors thoroughly inspect the properties to identify asbestos-containing material or ACMs and assess the risk of exposure.
These surveys can be performed using various techniques such as visual inspections, sampling, and analysis in accredited laboratories, depending upon the intensity of the exposure. Some of the experienced surveyors may use specialised equipment like borescopes and microscopes to detect hidden asbestos fibres and assess risk.
2. Legal Compliance
In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012 mandates the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties, including regular conduct of asbestos surveys and implementing necessary changes and plans.
Failure to comply with regulations can result in severe penalties and legal ramifications, such as fines and imprisonment, depending upon the situation. Adhering to these regulatory standards mitigates legal liabilities and fosters a culture of safety and accountability in the property management sector.
3. Protection of Occupants
Conducting an asbestos survey has many benefits, but the primary objective is to safeguard the health and well-being of building occupants and residents. Timely identification and removal of ACMs mitigate the risk of asbestos exposure, thereby preventing potential health crises.
Asbestos surveys provide valuable information for developing effective risk management strategies, such as encapsulation, enclosure or removal of asbestos-containing materials. Prioritising the occupant’s safety demonstrates their commitment to ethical stewardship and community welfare.
4. Property Valuation
Asbestos surveys can help properly evaluate your property; a house or building with no asbestos report will have more potential buyers. Knowledge of asbestos presence and management can influence property valuation.
Failure to address the asbestos issue can reduce property value and deter potential buyers or tenants. In contrast, properties properly documented with no asbestos will have higher market value and instil confidence in buyers.
If asbestos is proactively managed, the property and owner can be seen as a safe and desirable investment opportunity.
5. Renovation and Demolition Safety
Prior to any renovation or demolition work, asbestos surveys are essential to assess the presence of ACMs. If asbestos is disturbed during construction activities, it can release harmful fibres into the air, which can cause damage to workers and neighbours.
If the property owners conduct pre-demolition or refurbishment surveys, they can develop safe work methodologies such as asbestos surveys into project planning, reducing overall costs and potential delays. Pre-knowledge of asbestos can also save you from legal disputes and regulatory compliances.
6. Public Health Program
Asbestos surveys play a vital role in public health advocacy by raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Empowering communities with knowledge and resources about asbestos surveys contribute to the culture of making informed decisions and proactive risk mitigation.
Public health advocacy fosters collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers and civil society organisations for asbestos abatement programs. Through educational campaigns and outreach initiatives, surveyors disseminate vital information about the risks and symptoms of asbestos-related diseases.
7. Insurance Requirement
Many insurance companies require evidence of asbestos surveys and management plans as part of their underwriting process. Compliance with regulatory standards and proactive risk management measures can lead to favourable insurance premiums.
Inadequate asbestos management may result in insurance coverage exclusions or higher premiums, increasing the financial burden on property owners.
8. Environment Protection
Not just human concerns but asbestos surveys contribute to environmental protection as well. The released fibre can infect the air and soil, which could lead to the contamination of water resources and disruption of natural habitats.
Conducting regular asbestos surveys and implementing proper asbestos management protocols can reduce the risk of environmental contamination, preserving biodiversity and ecological balance.
9. Transparency
Owners should always engage with local communities and stakeholders with complete transparency about asbestos surveys to foster trust and cooperation. They should proactively share correct findings and mitigation strategies to demonstrate their commitment to the community.
Soliciting feedback and input from residents and community organisations enhances the effectiveness and inclusivity.
Asbestos Management is essential for creating a safe and sustainable environment for workers and residents.
Conclusion
The significance of asbestos surveys for every Orpington property cannot be overstated. These surveys are indispensable for protecting residents, maintaining property values and promoting public health. Through collaborative efforts between property owners, surveyors and regulatory authorities, the problem of asbestos can be controlled and resolved.
