subject: An Asbestos Pre-demolition Survey Is Important [print this page] We have long known the risks associated with the use of asbestos. Until recent times we have practically ignored these risks and continued using and handling asbestos with little regard to the real threat that it posses to peoples health and life. Asbestos exposure is a real threat even today because even though its use is more regulated now many homes and buildings have been constructed before regulations were implemented. So when you consider doing a major renovation or tearing a building down, you should also consider the need for an asbestos pre-demolition survey carried out by a trained and experienced asbestos surveyor.
The use of asbestos is wide spread. It is used in several different types of building materials including flooring and roofing materials. Asbestos is used to insulate from extreme temperatures especially heat. For this reason it has many uses and applications. An asbestos surveyor can help you recognize what materials may contain asbestos on your property.
In the case that you are doing simple renovations or maybe just buying a new property your asbestos surveyor will conduct a survey based on those needs. It may not be necessary or even safe to remove the asbestos. It some cases an asbestos surveyor will advise you to not remove the asbestos. This could be the situation if the asbestos containing material is in good condition and all the fibers are sealed and present no risk of being exposed to the air. The asbestos surveyor will make note of the presence of asbestos and give you guidance on if it is damaged and if not how to maintain and inspect the condition of the asbestos.
When you are tearing down a building or doing major renovations the goal of your asbestos surveyor changes. When doing an asbestos pre-demolition survey the focus is safe removal. The asbestos surveyor is there to identify all materials that contain asbestos and to help devise a plan as to the safest way to remove the asbestos. During an asbestos pre-demolition survey your asbestos surveyor will also asses if asbestos debris is currently present and what modifications must be made in the normal demolition process to minimize disturbing this debris.
Special consideration has to be given when removing materials containing asbestos. Normal demolition and renovation practices could have disastrous results by distributing asbestos debris into the air and further breaking the fibers making them microscopic. These very small fibers carry the real dangers and so all precautions must be taken to remove these materials with minimal destruction and or disturbance. Your asbestos surveyor can suggest ways for you to carry out your demolition and or renovations in the safest way possible when asbestos is present. Special equipment and procedures must be used to protect all individuals working on the building and all tenants present.
The advice of your asbestos surveyor given during an asbestos pre-demolition survey is invaluable. It protects the life of tenants, and workers and prevents disposal that can put even more lives at risk.
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