Asbestos, a group of minerals that has thin microscopic fibers, has been promoted over the years for its versatility in a wide range of applications. However, it has also been known to cause health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer, among others. Health and Safety Executive, or HSE licenced asbestos contractors are fortunately qualified to remove and survey asbestos as well as to dispose of asbestos waste and engage in asbestos sampling and testing.
Licensing
A lot of higher-risk work involving asbestos should only be done by a contractor who is licenced. Reputable HSE licenced asbestos contractors can competently remove asbestos cement, including that associated with corrugated sheets, bars, garages, soil stacks and cladding. This type of company may also cover works such as textured coatings, composite products (including window sills, toilet cisterns and floor titles), asbestos textiles and the drilling of holes in materials containing asbestos, and bitumen products (for example, sink pads).
Management Survey
A management survey can be completed by an asbestos contractor to locate the presence of any suspect materials containing asbestos as well as the extent of these materials in a building. If the materials become disturbed, small asbestos fibers may be released into the air, inhaled by people and end up causing cancer and other medical problems.
Demolition Survey
A licenced asbestos contractor can also complete what’s called a refurbishment and demolition survey. This survey must be completed before demolition or refurbishment work is done–essentially any work that involves disturbing a building’s fabric. The survey helps with locating and describing all asbestos-containing materials in the vicinity where the work is to be done or in the entire building if demolition is slated to take place.
A licenced contractor can be invaluable no matter how large or small your project is. With help from the right HSE licenced asbestos contractor, you can find out if your home or business has asbestos, which can negatively impact your family members or employees. Then, you can take appropriate action if your building is found to contain this dangerous material, thus giving you a peace of mind in the long run.
