DOES MY BUILDING CONTAIN ASBESTOS?
Throughout the 20th century, asbestos was exceedingly popular as a construction material. Properties built in this period, especially after World War II, may still contain asbestos. A final UK ban covering all forms of asbestos was implemented in 1999, but various estimates suggest that nearly 2 million commercial properties may still contain asbestos, making it the biggest occupational health hazard in Great Britain.
WHERE CAN ASBESTOS BE FOUND?
Asbestos can be found in over 3,000 different building materials. Common examples include:
- Asbestos Insulating Board, often used in ceiling tiles, partition walls, insulation and outdoor soffits
- Asbestos Cement, commonly used on roofs, panels and outdoor piping
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Textured Coatings, such as Artex
This list is by no means exhaustive.
IS SELF-SAMPLING SAFE?
By following our detailed instructions, you can take samples from suspected asbestos containing materials in a safe and successful manner. With our kits, you can take samples from numerous different locations and materials, commonly found around the home.
However, we must stress that the kits are not best suited for testing contaminated land, pipe lagging or sprayed coatings.
On larger scale jobs of this calibre, or if you are in any doubt at all, we recommend contacting us for more detailed guidance.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY SAMPLES CONTAIN ASBESTOS?
If your samples contain asbestos, we’re always available to provide further guidance. This often takes the form of full asbestos surveys, air monitoring and removal. Simply contact us for free and impartial advice from industry experts.
CAN I STAGGER THE RETURN OF MY SAMPLES?
No. All samples from each respective property, and therefore each kit, must be returned at the same time.