Do you have Asbestos in your Domestic home?
and more�� Thermal & Acoustic insulation� Soffit boardsIncreasing numbers of mortgage lenders and conveyance solicitors are advising prospective buyers to obtain Specialist Reports on Asbestos prior to exchange of contracts.� Toilet cisterns & water tanks� Flue pipes & chimneysOriginal source: The Health and Safety BlogLandlords have legal obligations under current legislation to identify and manage asbestos in the common parts of multi-occupation dwellings; failure to do so may lead to prosecution.Did you know that over 70% of UK homes potentially contain asbestos in some form.So what are the Financial Risks?The cost of employing the required Specialist Contractors licensed by the HSE to remove and dispose of Asbestos-Containing Materials is very high due to the strict legislative controls. It is vital therefore to determine the location, extent and type of Asbestos in the home prior to purchase or undertaking any refurbishment.How can surveyors help?DIY activities or building works which involve drilling, sanding, sawing or removal of any Asbestos-Containing Materials will almost certainly release asbestos fibres into the air.� Cement roofing, drainpipesFor a fixed fee asbestos surveyors will undertake a comprehensive physical asbestos survey of the property and produce an Asbestos Survey Report in accordance with HSE Document MDHS100; they will include a detailed Material risk Assessment on any Asbestos material identified.They will provide practical and impartial recommendations on any actions that may be necessary to ensure that you are not put at risk through exposure to deadly asbestos fibres.When buying or selling a house, or even contemplating renovation or DIY tasks, you should be fully aware of the potential harm ful risks posed by any deadly Asbestos-Containing materials that may be present.� Thermo plastic floor tiles� Decorative coatings such as artex� Ceiling tiles� Electrical fuse boards & switch gearAsbestos in the home does not pose a health risk unless the material is broken, deteriorating, or disturbed in such a way that asbestos dust is produced.If you are a buyer or seller, the presence of Asbestos-Containing material has the potential to substantially adversely affect the value of the property.So what are the Health risks from Asbestos?� Stud walls & partitionsIf inhaled, asbestos fibres may be deposited in the airways and lung tissue which can cause irreversible scarring and render sections of the lungs unusable.Veritas Consulting Safety Services is an independent company with specialist knowledge to undertake asbestos surveys. In most cases, the building surveyors who undertake pre-sale surveys do not have this specialist knowledge and their reports will usually carry a disclaimer in respect of asbestos.Although not covered by legislation, commissioning an Asbestos Survey is desirable, especially when considering the likely devaluation affect on the future price of the property.Because deadly Asbestos materials can be found in the following places.
Original source: The Health and Safety Blog
Author: David Cant
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