Why You Need an Asbestos Survey Before Demolishing a Building in the UK

Would you be surprised to know that a lot of people die in the workplace due to asbestos? More than 5 thousand people in the UK die from asbestos-related disease. The latest data suggest that more than 2000 people died from mesothelioma in 2022. If inhaled for a prolonged time, the asbestos cloud might cause pleural thickening.

Here, we will discuss how to make a safe workspace for workers before conducting demolition work. Especially when you plan on demolishing an old building, be careful of disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACM). It can be dangerous for your or the workers' health.

Let's understand how an asbestos survey can help.

What Is an Asbestos Survey?

It is a survey that aims to inspect and find asbestos-containing materials in an old building. Buildings constructed before 2000 in the UK are most likely to have asbestos. A careful site inspection will help you identify and remove ACM from the building.

The surveyor might help you identify the building area with ACM that must be removed before demolition. Otherwise, asbestos fibres can travel through the air and harm workers on the demolition site. It is in the best interest of every individual to conduct an asbestos survey before building demolition.

Legal Requirements in the UK

Let's not forget the legal regulations for identifying and managing asbestos in your property. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, or CAR 2012, regulation 4 clearly defines the duty of property owners or managers to identify and safely remove asbestos from non-residential properties. Following the CAR 2012, as a property manager or owner of a non-residential building, you must identify and manage ACM before demolishing the building.

However, if you do not properly plan to manage the asbestos in your property, you may be fined up to £20,000 and imprisoned for 12 months.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Scientists have revealed that asbestos is a carcinogenic element that can harm human health. Workers working in multiple demolition sites are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure. Lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma are some of the common diseases caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibres.

Asbestos fibers are so fine that you cannot see them with your bare eyes. However, the sharp asbestos fibres go into your lungs with air and cause inflammation. With time, it gradually becomes a serious health issue from which one may never recover.

Project Planning and Safety

As explained before, workers are at high risk of exposing themselves to asbestos-containing materials in a demolition site. However, planning an asbestos survey reduces this risk. Workers can safely work on the demolition site knowing all the ACMS have been removed.

Workers and other stakeholders are also protected from asbestos exposure risk if you conduct an asbestos survey. With a reliable surveyor, you can be sure that all the ACMS have been removed and the site is ready to be demolished.

Responsible Waste Disposal

As you might know, the carcinogenic material is considered hazardous in the UK. So you must be careful when removing asbestos-containing materials from your property and disposing of them in a designated place.

If asbestos is present on a large scale in your property, you might want to contact a licensed asbestos remover. Ensure you properly pack the ACM and carefully dispose of it at a site designated for asbestos waste by the local authorities.

A licensed handler might guide you about the disposal process to maintain optimum safety for everyone.

How DCL Ensures Safe Demolition

If you are looking for a reliable demolition contractor with expertise in asbestos handling, Demolition Contractor London is the one for you. DCL is well aware of legal regulations regarding asbestos management in the UK.

 We can properly guide you to the best option for demolishing your building. You can safely remove asbestos-containing materials from the building and demolish your old building. Our workers at DCL ensure sustainable practices and are responsible for protecting the environment.

Conclusion

Besides following legal regulations to manage asbestos in your property, it is safe to say that a survey can protect you and workers from asbestos exposure. Workers may not identify asbestos during demolition work, and the hazardous waste can go unnoticed during waste disposal. Investing some time and professionals to survey the site, remove asbestos if found, and get ready to demolish the old building is better.