Renovating a property can be an exciting yet daunting task. Whether you’re tackling home improvements or restoring a commercial building, ensuring the safety of those working on or using the building is a priority. One crucial step often overlooked in this process is conducting an asbestos survey before renovations.
Why is this so important? The answer lies in the potential risks and hazards associated with asbestos. Once widely used in construction materials, asbestos was later discovered to pose serious health threats. Ignoring its presence during renovations can lead to harmful consequences, from exposing individuals to health risks to legal and financial penalties.
What is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is an inspection carried out to determine whether asbestos is present within a building or structure. This process involves identifying, assessing, and analyzing materials to evaluate the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These surveys are typically performed by trained professionals who specialize in asbestos management.
There are two primary types of asbestos surveys:
- Management Survey: Focused on properties currently in use to ensure asbestos is being properly managed and poses no immediate risk.
- Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: Conducted before renovations or demolitions, this survey is designed to locate all ACMs that might be disturbed during the process.
For renovations, the latter type is critical in ensuring the safety of the project and all involved.
The Hidden Danger of Disturbing Asbestos
Before discussing the benefits of conducting an asbestos survey, it’s essential to understand the risks involved when asbestos is disturbed.
While asbestos is harmless when intact and undisturbed, renovation activities—including drilling, cutting, or demolition—can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers, when inhaled, can penetrate the lungs and cause severe health problems, such as:
- Asbestosis — A chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, leading to severe breathing difficulties.
- Lung Cancer — A significant proportion of lung cancer cases are linked to asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma — A rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This illness is almost exclusively associated with asbestos exposure.
The risks aren’t confined to workers; occupants, neighbors, and even family members can be affected by secondary exposure if asbestos dust is carried on clothing or equipment.
Legal Regulations Surrounding Asbestos
Many governments recognize the danger of asbestos and have implemented strict regulations to manage its use and removal. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in substantial legal and financial consequences, from fines and project delays to permanent property damage.
Regulations often mandate an asbestos survey before undertaking renovations, particularly in buildings constructed before the 1980s when asbestos use peaked. Neglecting this requirement not only jeopardizes safety but can complicate or halt your renovation project entirely.
Benefits of Conducting an Asbestos Survey
Now that we understand the risks and regulations, it’s evident why an asbestos survey is essential. Below are some of the key benefits to conducting this critical assessment before renovations or demolition work begins.
1. Safeguard Human Health
First and foremost, an asbestos survey ensures the health and safety of everyone involved. Identifying ACMs allows for the implementation of appropriate safety protocols to prevent asbestos exposure during the renovation process.
Whether it’s construction workers, nearby residents, or building occupants, a thorough survey ensures no one is unknowingly exposed to the harmful fibers released when asbestos is disturbed.
2. Enable Compliance with Regulations
An asbestos survey eliminates the guesswork surrounding safety compliance. By proactively identifying and managing asbestos in a property, you can meet safety standards and avoid potential legal or financial repercussions.