Whilst keeping up with the latest Asbestos Industry news I stumbled across an article posted today on the Independents House Doctor page:

Question: The survey on a home we’re buying has just shown a likelihood of asbestos in the property and in the attached garage. Obviously, I’m upset and in two minds to either pull out or ask for a huge discount. However, everybody including the estate agent, seller and mortgage broker tells me I’m kicking up a fuss for no reason. Surely this isn’t right? I thought it was still a nasty threat. Written by James Pelling, Stoke

House Doctor Answer: The spectre of asbestos-related deaths and serious illnesses – largely from inhaling the deadly fibres – continues to frighten. Although actually a natural mineral, its long-term use in building materials to fortify structures and improve fire resistance thrust it into the public arena throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

Those parts of your home where you might typically find asbestos include eaves, fire blankets, garage and shed roofs, ceilings and doors, insulation panels in some storage heaters, central heating flues and packing between floors and in partition walls.

However, asbestos-related deaths usually followed long-term exposure to the raw material and it was this that sparked industry reviews that led, in January 2005, to a European Union ban on its use.

The critical factor on safety remains whether it is exposed or not and whether you come into contact with it. For example, the asbestos contained within your roof shed cement is common and usually fairly safe.

I also would agree with the statement issued by a spokesman for home improvement advice website Whatprice.co.uk. “If an asbestos roof on a domestic garage or shed, say, is in good condition and doesn’t leak, there is no reason to change it,”

But as for likely asbestos inside the house you’re buying, you’ll need a specialist to determine its location and risk factor. That’s where employing a UKAS Accredited Asbestos Inspection Firm is your best way forward.

There was also a comment stating “This is a big job and needs an inspector recommended by your local authority or council to come to visit the property to take a sample or extensively survey the home”. I’m personally not sure how accurate this is and given that numerous local authorities have issue managing asbestos in their property portfolios; so I personally would suggest you look for a UKAS Accredited Inspection & Testing Firm with the Logo and bypass the council if it’s a private purchase.

I would say it is not always necessary to remove and mindful of the fact that it was put into your building for a reason; whether it be for acoustic or thermal insulation and removing it in certain circumstances may affect the fire rating too. So if it’s in good condition look after it and it will look after you!

If you are based in the South East Region and are interested in finding out more about Asbestos then why not pop along to one of our free Question and Answer sessions

These sessions are planned to be about one hour long and are free to attend.

The first session will be held at 9am on the 4th  June and then we will hold the rest on the first Friday of every month in July, August and September.

Light refreshments will be available, so come along and pick our teams brains in a relaxed environment.

Places are extremely limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis. So please don’t miss out on this great opportunity to expand your knowledge of Asbestos. Please contact Angela Chouaib on 07825 369 381 to book your space today!

For more news about Asbestos Surveys from the www.ukas-asbestos-surveys.co.uk blog,  Subscribe to this here

Web: www.spectra-analysis.co.uk

Telephone: 01268 534 380

Email: AngelaChouaib@spectra-analysis.co.uk

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