Anthony Asbestos Consultancy
We are an independent asbestos consultancy located in Berkshire, serving both London and the Home Counties. Our services encompass a wide range of asbestos-related solutions tailored for both domestic and commercial contexts.
We are committed to offering practical, impartial advice to address any issues you or your business may face, always striving to deliver cost-effective solutions at competitive rates.
Our independent status ensures that our recommendations and services are provided without commercial bias, guaranteeing that our primary focus is on your benefit and safety.
Are You Legally Compliant?
Under the Control Of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), commercial property owners must prevent exposure to hazardous asbestos fibres.
This includes fulfilling the 'Duty to Manage' asbestos in non-domestic properties as outlined in Regulation 4, safeguarding everyone on the premises from health risks associated with asbestos. This involves creating an Asbestos Management Plan detailing how to manage these risks.
Before undertaking any maintenance or construction work, it's crucial to conduct a survey to locate any asbestos in the premises, assessing its type, location, and condition to manage and control the risk effectively. For support in complying with asbestos regulations, please reach out to us.
Pre-purchase Survey
This type of survey is for, exactly as the title indicates, for anyone purchasing a property. It became quite clear to us early on that this was a much-needed type of survey for homebuyers. With more and more Chartered Surveyors highlighting potential asbestos containing materials within their reports, it was key that we produced a report that covers these areas and looks for further materials.
This survey is a non-intrusive survey therefore no damage is caused to the property. The main reason for this is that the vendor of the property is unlikely to allow us to undertake a fully intrusive survey (Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey) at this point when you, the buyer do not own the property. Unfortunately due to this being a non intrusive survey there is the possibility of asbestos containing materials still being present within the fabric of the building.
Independent Asbestos Consultancy
An Independent asbestos consultancy based in Berkshire serving London and the Home Counties offering a range of asbestos services
0800 774 7264
CALL US FOR A QUOTE
Our Services
Asbestos Sampling
Sampling is required when suspect material(s) need to be taken for analysis. This is NOT a survey. Safe sampling will be undertaken as per (HSG248) and analysed at an UKAS Accredited Laboratory. Get in touch with our team to find out more about asbestos sampling.
Survey Overview
There are two surveys to be considered, a Management Survey and Refurbishment & Demolition Survey, although you can have a combination of the two depending on your requirements. Get in touch with our team to find out more about what type of survey would be best for you.
Management Survey
A management survey is the standard type of survey. The purpose is to identify the type, location, extent and condition of any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM's) during normal building occupancy and light maintenance. A concise survey report with photos and annotated floor plans.
Residential Survey
This non intrusive survey is for owners/occupiers of properties that want peace of mind knowing if they might have asbestos containing material in the property. It will determine whether day to day life will expose you to asbestos fibres.
Pre-purchase Survey
A pre purchase survey as the name suggests is for before a purchase of a building. This survey is a non intrusive and will check for any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM's) without damaging the property.
Refurb & Demolition
This fully intrusive survey is needed before any refurbishment/demolition is carried out. This is used to locate all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work will take place or in the whole building if demolition is planned.
Types of Surveys
There are two types of surveys, a management survey and a refurbishment and demolition survey. You can book either type or a combination of both with us to determine if you have any asbestos containing materials on the site.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, notable for their resistance to heat, fire, and chemical degradation, as well as their mechanical strength. These fibres, which do not dissolve in water or evaporate, are categorized into two main types: serpentine (specifically chrysotile, or white asbestos) and amphibole asbestos (including crocidolite or blue asbestos, amosite or brown asbestos, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite). Chrysotile, the most commonly used, features soft and flexible fibres, making it less hazardous than the brittle and sharp amphibole fibres, which pose a greater health risk.
Historically, asbestos was utilized in various products such as building insulation, car brakes, and floor tiles due to its durable properties. However, the importation, supply, and use of all forms of asbestos have been banned in the UK since 1999, with amphibole asbestos being banned since 1985, due to health risks. When intact, asbestos is not harmful, but damaged asbestos can release fibres that, when inhaled or ingested, can lead to severe conditions like asbestosis and increase cancer susceptibility. Asbestos is classified as carcinogenic to humans, prompting the ban on its use to mitigate health risks. Despite its ban, asbestos remains present in the environment, potentially released from natural weathering of ores or the breakdown of asbestos-containing products.
When Am I At Risk?
Workers in trades such as refurbishment, maintenance, and similar activities risk asbestos exposure. This risk extends to a wide range of professions, including heating and ventilation engineers, demolition workers, carpenters, plumbers, roofing contractors, painters, decorators, plasterers, construction workers, alarm installers, shop fitters, gas fitters, computer and data installers, general maintenance staff, telecommunications engineers, architects, building surveyors, cable layers, and electricians, among others.
The highest risk of exposure occurs under specific conditions, such as working in buildings constructed before 2000, working on unfamiliar sites, dealing with unidentified asbestos-containing materials, or not receiving proper information and training on handling asbestos. Additionally, failure to conduct a risk assessment, ignorance of asbestos recognition and safe work practices, or deliberately neglecting safety precautions can significantly increase exposure risks.
It's crucial to remember that asbestos fibres are invisible and odorless, posing health risks that may not manifest for many years. Asbestos is particularly dangerous when its fibres become airborne and inhaled. Smoking can exacerbate the risk of developing lung cancer when combined with asbestos exposure. However, asbestos poses no threat if it remains undisturbed and in good condition, away from areas where it can be easily damaged.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous
Annually, asbestos is responsible for approximately 5,000 worker deaths, surpassing the fatalities on the roads. Every week, about 20 tradespeople succumb to diseases linked to their past asbestos exposure.
Yet, asbestos remains a current issue, potentially present in any structure constructed or renovated before 2000. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, their fibers can be released into the air. Inhaling these fibers may lead to severe illnesses that don't show symptoms immediately but can be devastating upon diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of self-protection now.
Asbestos exposure can lead to lethal and severe diseases, including:
-
Mesothelioma: This cancer affects the lung's lining (pleura) and the abdominal cavity's lining (peritoneum), almost always tied to asbestos and typically fatal by the time it's diagnosed.
-
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer: This form of lung cancer, indistinguishable from lung cancers caused by smoking or other factors, has a ratio of roughly one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death.
-
Asbestosis: Resulting from prolonged heavy asbestos exposure, this serious lung scarring can lead to progressive breath shortness and, in severe cases, be deadly.
-
Pleural Thickening: Occurring after significant exposure to asbestos, this condition involves the lung lining (pleura) becoming thick and swollen, potentially compressing the lung, leading to breath shortness and chest discomfort.
Trustpilot
Shelley Suant
Lee the engineer that attended at our office to servcie our air conditioning units was prompt, polite and serviced our systems well, would highly recommend.
