Thursday, December 18, 2008

Asbestos Survey

Asbestos is the name for several silicate minerals which are highly fibrous with separable long thin fibers. Asbestos fibers are strong and flexible, having a tensile strength far greater than steel, yet flexible enough to be spun and woven. Due to asbestos being resistant to fire and heat, it is a poor conductor of electricity and has excellent thermal and acoustic properties and certain types being highly resistant to acids and alkalis. Asbestos has been widely used for many applications making it useful for a number of industrial and commercial uses.
The two main groups that asbestos is known as are Serpentine. Chrysotile - white asbestos Mineral or rock consisting mainly of the hydrous silicate of magnesia. Amphibole. A group of minerals with similar crystal structures containing a silicate chain and combinations of chiefly sodium, calcium, iron and aluminium.The most common types of these asbestos minerals are known as: - Chrysotile White Asbestos, Amosite Asbestos, Crocidolite Blue Asbesto, Anthophylite, Tremolite and Actionist Asbestos has been widely used within many products and it is estimated that up to 5,000 products contain asbestos in varying amounts from as little as 0.1% to as much as 10,000.


Some examples of Asbestos Containing Materials Thermal InsulationBoiler insulation, Pipe work insulation, Loose Fill Insulation, Heat Shields, Paper Lining to Preformed Pipe Insulation Sprayed Coatings/Fire ProtectionApplied to Structural Steel Work, Insulation, Sound Proofing, Fire Protection in Ducts Asbestos Insulation Board , Mill Boards and Cement ProductsCeiling/Wall Panels, Linings As Heat And Fire Breaks, Moulding/Beading To Fire Door Glass, Door Panels, Asbestos Cement, Ceiling/Wall Panels Corrugated Roof Sheets, Garages, Infill Panels, Rain Water Goods, Boiler Flues, Barge Boards, Plant Pots, Air Brick Connecting Pieces, Bath Panels, Soffit Boards, Eternite Roof & Wall Tiles, Fume Cabinets, Promenade Tiles, Pressure Pipes, Soil Pipes & Fittings, Window Sills, Window Boxes, Water Tanks
Asbestos Textiles: Fire Blankets, Fire Curtains, Gloves, Electrical Flash guards, Boiler Gaskets/Seals, Ropes, Cable Sheathings, Valve Packing Coatings: Textured Coatings, Bitumen Coatings, Sprayed Coatings, Profile Sheet Coatings, Paper Coating To Fibre Board Flooring Products: Vinyl Floor Tiles, Asphalt Floor Tiles, Paper Backing To Vinyl Flooring, Bituminous Floor Adhesives, Promenade Tiles Other Products: Toilet Cisterns, Sink Pads, Roofing Felts, Bituminous Products, Stair Treads, Damp Proof Courses, Mastics, Paints

Asbestos surveys are an effective way to eliminate asbestos in your building or establishment. Although asbestos is useful, it can be harmful to you and the environment if left unmanaged. That is why regular asbestos surveys should be conducted to ensure that you and your employees are safe. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber found in certain rock varieties. It is mainly known for its fire resistance, physical strength, and good thermal and electrical insulation. However, recent studies have shown that over time, asbestos wears down and can become a serious threat to the health and environment.

As asbestos wears down, it emits small fibers invisible to the naked eye. These fibers remain suspended in the air, contributing to pollution and the greenhouse effect. They can also cause serious respiratory illnesses, such as cancer and pneumonia, when inhaled by humans. Asbestos fibers are having also been found in potable water, and even in the lungs of some people.

Because of this, many countries have prohibited the use of asbestos. Others have come up with stricter guidelines in managing asbestos in buildings. In the UK, the government requires regular asbestos surveys to be conducted in all buildings, whether commercial or residential.If you are still using asbestos for your building or establishment, it is best to conduct routine asbestos surveys to ensure the safety of everyone inside. Asbestos surveys are usually offered by private companies following government-mandated guidelines. Surveyors should be accredited by the government and trained in asbestos detection and management.

One company that offers asbestos surveys is Asbestos Surveys and Inspections. Asbestos Survey and Inspections is a UK-based company that offers independent asbestos surveying for your business establishment. We are not affiliated from any contractors or construction firms, so we won’t force you into any decisions unless absolutely necessary. After each inspection, we will provide you with a reader-friendly report detailing the results of the inspection and our recommendations.

There are three types of surveys currently in use in the UK. These arThis type aims to give your establishment a complete inspection to detect the presence of any Asbestos Containing Materials ACMsAll areas of your establishment will be inspected, but nothing will be destroyed or removed.

This is a more extensive version of the Type 1 survey, the main difference being the taking of samples from identified ACMS. The surveyors will examine the samples at a laboratory to determine the type and concentration of asbestos.

This is the most comprehensive type of survey, involving the destruction of ACMs in the building premises. It is usually performed on buildings scheduled for demolition, so that the resulting damage will not cause any problems.

No comments:

Post a Comment