Asbestos was used a great deal in the past in the UK, particularly in construction and industrial applications.
Unfortunately, this was before we realised how dangerous it is. The material was particularly used in the UK from the Victorian age until the late 20th century.
Asbestos was a popular material due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. This made it popular in various industries, including construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing and textile production.
The first documented case of asbestos-related disease dates back to the Edwardian age. In 1906 Dr. Montague Murray, a British doctor, published a paper linking asbestos exposure to lung disease.
Subsequent research in the 1920s and 1930s further established the link between asbestos exposure and health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
What are the health risks of asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases often have a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.
The dangers of asbestos became increasingly evident over time, leading to stricter regulations. In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out specific requirements for managing asbestos in buildings and workplaces.
Stripout London can identify any Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) at your site.
Many buildings constructed before the year 2000 contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These may include asbestos insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials and pipe insulation. We can not only identify any ACM but deal with getting rid of them in a safe and healthy way.
Why choosing the right asbestos abatement services are important.
Proper removal and disposal of asbestos are critical to preventing exposure and protecting public health. Removal must be carried out by licensed professionals who follow strict safety protocols to minimise the release of asbestos fibres.
It’s also important to educate your workforce on dealing with this material. Efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure have been ongoing in the UK. This includes educational campaigns targeting workers in high-risk industries, as well as property owners and managers.
What is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?
The Health and Safety Executive is the UK government agency responsible for enforcing workplace health and safety regulations, including those related to asbestos. HSE provides guidance and resources to help employers comply with asbestos regulations.
Individuals who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases may be entitled to compensation. Various schemes and legal avenues exist to support affected individuals and their families in seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Asbestos has not only been banned in the UK, but all over the world.
The use of asbestos has been banned in many countries worldwide due to its health risks. Although its use has declined significantly in the UK, asbestos remains present in many older buildings and continues to pose a risk if disturbed improperly.
If you’re a property owner or manager, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos in their buildings to prevent exposure. This includes conducting asbestos surveys, maintaining an asbestos register, and implementing safe work practices for any maintenance or renovation activities.
During dilapidations in London, we regularly deal with asbestos.
Property dilapidations typically involve the process of repairing or maintaining a property to a certain standard, as outlined in a lease agreement, especially when the lease is nearing its end. While dealing with asbestos may not be a direct part of property dilapidations, it can be a factor in certain situations.
If asbestos is present in a property that is subject to dilapidations, it may need to be addressed as part of the overall maintenance and repair process.
This could involve identifying asbestos-containing materials, assessing their condition, and determining whether they pose a risk to occupants or workers during the dilapidations process. If necessary, appropriate measures for asbestos management or removal may need to be undertaken in compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.
Ultimately, the specific involvement of asbestos in property dilapidations will depend on factors such as:
the age and condition of the property
any previous asbestos management measures that have been implemented
applicable regulations and contractual agreements.
It's important for property owners, landlords and tenants to be aware of any asbestos-related considerations when addressing dilapidations to ensure compliance with safety requirements and legal obligations.
Rated highly for our commercial dilapidations in the capital, we work on a wide range of spaces. That includes offices, retail stores, plants, industrial structures, and much more. A leading Principal Contractor, we specialise in soft strip out and demolition services for a variety of occupied buildings.
With over 50 years of combined experience in commercial strip out and demolition, our management team has the skills and know-how to ensure each project is executed smoothly, efficiently, and within your particular budget.
If you're seeking asbestos abatement services in London, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for more information.
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