Asbestos - Do we care?

While they may understand the risks and recognise their duty to manage, block managers can be forgiven for being confused about how they should fulfil this duty. Simply, how can you manage asbestos containing materials if you don't know whether it's there or not? It is therefore important that a survey is carried out by an independent, experienced and qualified surveyor.

A good survey report/ register will be an effective management tool. It will be a record of any asbestos found. It will tell how to manage it and what actions need to be taken. It will be a clear reference for the block manager and contractors working in the block of the location, type, condition and risk levels of any asbestos found.

Asbestos does not necessarily have to be removed. If it is in good condition it can remain in place but it has to be monitored through a programme of reinspection at regular intervals. A reinspection/ survey update report should be issued and kept with the original report. In fact all documentation/records relevant to the history of the asbestos containing material found must be kept together for effective management to be achieved. It is important with asbestos that any removal or remedial works are independently project managed so that the works are monitored and controlled and to ensure that all legal processes are adhered to. Finally, apart from the health implications it should be of concern to block managers that solicitors are beginning to request asbestos survey reports as part of the due diligence process on the sale of flats. Also, as maintenance contractors become trained and aware of their own duties in working with asbestos, more and more are requesting asbestos reports before they commence works on site.

Conclusion
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material which is not only strong but also resistant to heat, electrical and chemical damage and absorbs sound. Due to these useful properties, asbestos became extremely popular with builders and was widely used from the late 19th Century until late 20th Century. However, it was discovered that the inhalation of asbestos ¯bres has serious health risks, particularly concerning the lungs such as cancer and asbestosis. since 2005, the use, extraction, manufacture and processing of asbestos has been banned in the european Union.