As far back as 4000 BC, asbestos was valued for its inflammable properties. It’s been used to embalm pharaohs in ancient Egypt and to insulate suits of armour in the Middle Ages.
But all too many people believe that asbestos is ancient history. The fact is, it’s still around – and it’s deadly.
Asbestos-related illnesses account for nearly 5,500 deaths in the UK each year. That’s twice as many than are killed on Britain’s roads. As a Class 1 Carcinogen (meaning it can cause cancer), it’s the biggest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK. And because the last legal form of asbestos wasn’t banned until 1999, that means that it could still be present in any building built before the year 2000.
There have been countless uses for asbestos over the years, including for heating and plumbing. Because of its heat resistance, it can be found in pipe insulation, storage heaters – even old cisterns and toilet seats. That’s why it’s so important to be educated about where asbestos might be hiding, how to recognise it, and what to do if you suspect the presence of asbestos on a job site.
There are steps you can take to make your job safer and create safer homes and commercial buildings.
- Remember that non-domestic buildings built before 2000 must legally have an Asbestos Register, so be sure to check the site is in compliance.
- Avoid any contact with dangerous asbestos materials.
- Take every precaution not to damage any materials that may contain asbestos.
- Use trained and insured professionals for asbestos inspections, testing, repairs or removals.
- Keep all your documentation up to date and finally, train your staff in Asbestos Awareness.
All Survey are a team of experienced, fully qualified surveyors. Their goal is to take real, practical steps to document and control the threat of asbestos and legionella, and to help make buildings energy efficient. Their mission is to make properties safe for the people who work and live in them. If you have any questions about a property you live or work in, the team at All Survey are on hand to help you.
Email them at info@allsurvey.co.uk, phone them on 0161 628 2555, or visit http://allsurvey.co.uk/ for more information.