Why it is Essential for Property to have an Asbestos Survey and Report

Those who work in the construction industry will testify to the fact that asbestos is a very hazardous material – a lot of diseases and ailments have been associated with it. Luckily, it is no longer used and modern buildings are free of the poisonous substance. However, there are still many older buildings and constructions around that have not been declared asbestos-free – and to ensure that your property is safe, it’s essential to get a clean slate from a surveyor. If you’ve ever wondered why all these rules and regulations are in place, here’s why it is essential for property to have an asbestos survey and report.

The problem with asbestos

Asbestos was used before 1999 and is dangerous because the fibres of the asbestos can be distributed in the air – when breathed over time, the health effects can be disastrous, as asbestos has been linked to cancer and other diseases and ailments, most of them (but not all) having to do with the lungs and pulmonary organs.

Checking the safety

Having asbestos in your house or on your property does not necessarily mean that your construction is unsafe – it just means there should be extra precautions to ensure that there are no asbestos fibres floating in the air. It’s all about exposure. Surveys and asbestos reports will ensure the property is safe or will recommend work to be done to ensure the safety thereof.

The asbestos survey

The asbestos survey involves a thorough inspection of the premises. It will also provide information regarding risk assessment, and for a management plan to be prepared.

The two reports

There are two kinds of asbestos survey reports. They are:

• The management report. This is a report that is made after a normal survey during occupancy – it aims to ensure that nobody is harmed during the occupancy in case asbestos is indeed found. It locates the asbestos (if any) and identifies possible hazards.

• The refurbishment or demolition report. This survey (and the report) is necessary if the building, or a part of it, is due to be refurbished or demolished. It identifies all the asbestos-laden materials and identifies the possible hazards associated with it. The area must be evacuated during the survey and then declared fit for occupancy afterwards.

The importance of the asbestos survey report should never be underestimated, so it’s crucial that you choose a surveyor who is considered competent and an expert in the field. Luckily, you don’t need to be an expert yourself to gauge the level of competence of your surveyor – it’s all about asking the right questions, and about doing a little background check. Remember: asbestos is a material that can cause serious harm, and the survey should be done to high quality standards.

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