By Jocelyn Ian
Asbestos is a known killer. Since it was banned completely in the UK in 1999 (after decades of slowly dismantling the use of asbestos in different industries and areas of life, we are now in a position where it is no longer used in any form of construction or engineering in the country. Despite this, it is still present in many structures and buildings throughout the UK. This is because of the extent it was used for huge portions of the last century in infrastructure projects, engineering and construction.
These days, whenever there is a need to refurbish a property that was built prior to the ban of asbestos in 1999, or where there is due a demolition of a property to make way for a brand-new construction site and development, an asbestos register must be viewed in order to provide an accurate picture of the dangers of asbestos that are present on site.
What is an asbestos register?
An asbestos register is a document that has been put together by a licensed asbestos survey and management company. A building manager, company, or individual home or business owner, can hire the services of an asbestos removal company to enter the property and make an accurate record of all asbestos that has been discovered on the property.
After an extensive asbestos survey, this register will include the exact location of all asbestos containing materials. It will also contain details about the quantity, size, and the condition of these materials. This document should be kept as an active document, updated as and when a regular review of the property takes place.
The idea behind an asbestos register is that it should be easy to access and simple to decipher and read. It acts as a warning to workers within a building of where to expect to find asbestos. Due to the dangerous nature of asbestos fibres this provides a vital function should workers be entering a building for any reason where there is a need to disturb furniture, or items that may contain asbestos.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 made it the responsibility of the ‘duty holder’ of a property to carry out an asbestos survey to establish whether or not any asbestos is present. With this information asbestos management or removal can be undertaken by a licensed asbestos management company.
Putting together an asbestos register is an important process for many different types of businesses where there is potential access to areas where asbestos-containing materials might be present. It is also extremely important to have an accurate asbestos register for those properties and structures where there is refurbishment work, extensive renovation, or demolition of structures due to take place. This level of accuracy could save lives. If you are the person responsible for managing a property and/or for the safety of those who live and work within that property it is vital that you hire the services of an asbestos survey company. With the help of asbestos management specialists, you can ensure that there is an accurate asbestos register in place should there ever be the need to carry out renovation work, or at a time where the building is to be destroyed.
