Asbestos Testing Services

What is asbestos and what are its dangers?

 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was widely used in construction from the 1950s up until it was fully banned in 1999. It was used for things like insulation, flooring, roofing and decorative wall coverings, favoured for its chemical, fire and heat resistant properties.

There are over 5,000 products known to contain asbestos, and there are different types.

Blue asbestos (crocidolite) and brown asbestos (amosite) were banned in 1985, followed by the more common white asbestos (chrysotile) in 1999.

Left undisturbed, the risks posed by asbestos are minimal. However, when it is disrupted or damaged, its microscopic fibres can be released into the air. If they are breathed in, they can cause damage to the lungs and their lining, resulting in a variety of asbestos related conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Many of these conditions carry no symptoms until the later stages, when it is often too late to treat them.

This is precisely why it is so important to be aware of whether there is asbestos present in your property if you are planning refurbishment or demolition works.

Why do I need asbestos testing?

 

The problem with asbestos is that you cannot tell just by sight, smell or feel whether it’s present.

Whilst there are various materials and decorative finishes that are more likely to contain asbestos, such as insulating board, lagging, garage roofs, textured decorative coatings and floor tiles, there is only one way to confirm its presence, and that is through asbestos testing through a licensed asbestos contractor such as Advance Asbestos Removal.

Asbestos testing will make it clear as to whether asbestos is present, and which type it is, as well as the risk it poses. The contractor will safely take samples from the suspected material and then send them off for analysis at a specialist laboratory.

Once the results are returned, the contractor will use their expertise to make a plan of action. Most of the time this will usually involve leaving the material in place and regularly monitoring it to ensure the levels stay safe. But if the material is set to be disturbed, then it will usually need to be safely removed under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Looking for licensed asbestos testing near me? Call Advance Asbestos Removal today on 0208 979 7172 or 07759 018 402.

What are the different types of asbestos testing?

 

There are three core types of asbestos testing survey:

1. Asbestos Management Survey

This will confirm whether asbestos is present, its level of risk, and whether it could potentially cause health complications.

2. Asbestos Re-inspection Surveys

This type of asbestos testing is undertaken within properties where asbestos was previously detected. For commercial properties, it will remain the dutyholder’s responsibility to keep the problem under control, so arranging a re-inspection once or twice per year will help you make sure your property remains safe, and compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

3. Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

Asbestos testing is needed when there are plans to demolish a property and rebuild, or where there is a complete shell-upwards refurbishment. These are fully comprehensive surveys that aim to detect signs of asbestos throughout the building, and are usually intrusive in nature.

All three types of asbestos testing involve samples being taken in line with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. They are then sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory for review.

Can I gather the asbestos testing sample myself?

 

If you need asbestos testing, it is vital that you don’t attempt to take any samples yourself. Our experts are qualified under nationally recognised standards and know precisely how to take samples without posing a risk to health.

The process for taking samples for testing follows a safe and documented method, involving dampening the sample, placing it in a self-sealing bag, and then in another bag, labelling and taking it to an approved laboratory which will issue an official certificate.

Whilst there are DIY asbestos testing kits available to buy online, it is strongly recommended that these are avoided, as there are numerous dangers to be aware of.

Asbestos is a potentially dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems, and it should only be handled by qualified experts. What’s more, whilst you can buy asbestos testing kits relatively cheaply, the price doesn’t usually include the laboratory and certificate fees, only the sample gathering kits themselves. And you are likely to be surprised at how much those lab fees add to the cost of the kit.

Generally, it is best not to take chances with a dangerous substance like asbestos. Stay safe, and leave it to the professionals.

What if I need to have asbestos removed?

 

If the results of the testing indicate that asbestos is present, and you are undertaking demolition or renovation works, or it has been shown that the asbestos is posing a risk to health, then you are likely to need asbestos removal.

This will involve the intervention of a licensed asbestos contractor. You should inform your builders that the asbestos needs to be removed before they can start work. If the material containing asbestos has already been disturbed, then it should be left alone, as disrupting it further could cause the microscopic fibres to escape into the air, where they could be breathed in.

At Advance Asbestos Removal, we offer a range of asbestos removal services, including asbestos garage removal and replacement and asbestos shed removal, asbestos ceiling, roof and tile removal. We are also a fully licensed waste carrier (licence number CB/DU195645), which means we are legally certified to remove asbestos from your home or business premises. This is important, as you are legally obliged to ensure any asbestos is handled in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Licensed asbestos testing surveys from Advance Asbestos Removal

 

Looking for asbestos testing near me? Whether you already know that asbestos is present and need a professional asbestos management plan, or you wish to confirm whether asbestos is present, our qualified, experienced team is ready to assist.

We guarantee a professional service with minimal disruption and complete legal compliance.

Request your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION ASBESTOS TESTING QUOTATION today.