All You Need To Know About Asbestos Surveys
Posted on: 8 April 2021
Asbestos is a toxic material that was commonly used in the construction industry for fireproofing, thermal insulation and reinforcement. The material contains fibres that cause asbestosis and mesothelioma when inhaled. As such, it is advisable to conduct an asbestos survey when buying a property that was built before the asbestos ban. Below is an excerpt discussing the benefits of an asbestos survey and how to conduct an asbestos survey.
Benefits Of An Asbestos Survey
An asbestos survey will help you determine whether the property contains any asbestos. As such, you can make an informed decision when purchasing or renovating a property. For instance, you could ask the seller to reduce the asking price to enable you to conduct asbestos abatement. If you intend to renovate the property, the survey will protect you from the risks of inhaling asbestos fibres as you pull down walls or strip floors.
Consider the following when conducting an asbestos survey:
Asbestos Testing
Although you will find asbestos testing kits on sale, you should hire an experienced and accredited surveyor to test the property for asbestos. The benefit of hiring a surveyor is that they have the equipment and protective clothing required to conduct an asbestos test. The surveyor will also assess the property history to know where asbestos was used during construction. During the survey, the professional will take samples from your home for laboratory testing. It will help confirm the presence of asbestos on the property.
After the test, the surveyor will provide you with a report detailing the type of asbestos on the property, its location and the risks you are exposed to. The surveyor will also recommend how you should manage the asbestos. There are two types of asbestos. Friable asbestos is loose and easily releases its fibres when disturbed. On the other hand, non-friable asbestos is compact and does not pose any threats unless disturbed. In most cases, the surveyor will ask you to remove non-friable asbestos.
Asbestos Abatement And Disposal
Most people will opt to conduct asbestos abatement if their property contains asbestos. If this is your case, you should hire an accredited abatement company. As a rule, the abatement company staff must observe safety when removing the materials. For instance, they should seal off the area to ensure asbestos fibres do not contaminate the rest of the house. Besides, they should not use power tools to remove asbestos. After removal, the company should dispose of the asbestos at an approved landfill. Additionally, they should conduct an air test to determine if your house contains asbestos contamination.
To learn more, contact a local asbestos survey service.
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