The Importance of Asbestos Surveys for Somerset Property Owners and Buyers
We undertake management asbestos surveys in Weston-Super-Mare, Taunton, Bath, Bridgwater, Yeovil and the surrounding Towns and villages with the Somerset area.
Property owners and buyers, whether dealing with residential, commercial, or industrial properties, can significantly benefit from conducting an asbestos survey. Ensuring the safety of occupants, including tenants, employees, or visitors, is paramount, especially in compliance with health and safety regulations. An asbestos survey guarantees that the property is free from hazardous asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), safeguarding not only the health of individuals but also protecting the property from potential legal liabilities.
For those planning to buy, sell, lease, renovate, demolish, or rent out a property in Somerset, an asbestos inspection might be legally required under certain circumstances, particularly for commercial and industrial buildings. Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in severe penalties, liability for health issues, or costly remediation work that could otherwise be managed effectively with proper planning and early detection.
Asbestos in Commercial and Industrial Properties
Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in commercial and industrial construction up until the late 20th century, and are commonly found in roofs, insulation, pipework, floor tiles, boiler rooms, window caulks, and ceilings. Commercial property owners, leaseholders, and occupiers must be particularly vigilant because even small-scale renovations or structural changes can disturb asbestos materials, releasing dangerous fibers into the air. These fibers, if inhaled, can lead to serious long-term health risks such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Property investors and owners of industrial spaces, factories, offices, and warehouses must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which mandates that they manage asbestos in buildings constructed before asbestos was banned. This includes carrying out regular asbestos management surveys and ensuring that any ACMs are either safely contained or removed by licensed professionals.
Asbestos Management for Leaseholders, Freeholders, and Short-Term Occupiers
EnviroHive assists a wide range of clients, including leaseholders, freeholders, property developers, homeowners, and short-term occupiers. Whether you own a flat, an industrial warehouse, or a commercial office block, understanding your responsibilities regarding asbestos management is crucial. Leaseholders, particularly those in blocks of flats, may be responsible for the common areas or shared spaces where asbestos may be present. In these cases, the property management company or freeholder may need to coordinate with tenants to ensure asbestos management plans are properly followed.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, all those responsible for maintaining and repairing non-domestic premises, including leaseholders and freeholders, must ensure that ACMs are identified and managed appropriately. Occupiers of commercial premises also share responsibilities, depending on the terms of their lease agreements, and may need to contribute to the cost of asbestos surveys or removal works.
The Role of Asbestos Surveys in Ensuring Compliance
EnviroHive’s asbestos management surveys involve a thorough investigation of all areas where asbestos may be present. Our surveyors inspect roofs, floors, walls, ceilings, insulation, and pipework to locate any potential ACMs. Samples are carefully collected and sent to an accredited laboratory for testing. Once the results are confirmed, we provide a detailed report that includes:
- The location of asbestos.
- The type of asbestos.
- The condition of the material.
- The level of damage or risk it poses.
This report allows property owners, leaseholders, and managers to make informed decisions about the management or removal of asbestos. In some cases, asbestos can be safely managed by sealing it or implementing regular monitoring. However, if the material is damaged or poses a significant health risk, removal may be necessary.
Legislation and Asbestos Management Responsibilities
Compliance with asbestos regulations is not just a legal requirement but also an ethical responsibility to protect tenants, employees, and the general public. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on property owners and those responsible for property maintenance to:
- Conduct asbestos surveys for any property built before asbestos use was banned.
- Create and maintain an asbestos management plan for the property.
- Ensure that asbestos removal or containment is carried out by licensed professionals when necessary.
- Regularly review and update asbestos management plans to ensure ongoing compliance.
Commercial landlords and businesses that fail to comply with these regulations may face legal action, fines, or even closure of their premises by local authorities. The health and safety of occupants should be the top priority, as failing to manage asbestos properly can lead to severe health consequences and legal repercussions.
How EnviroHive Can Help
EnviroHive is dedicated to helping property owners, leaseholders, freeholders, and occupiers across Somerset manage asbestos risks effectively. Our comprehensive asbestos surveys provide all the necessary information to ensure your property complies with the law and remains safe for everyone. Whether you’re managing a residential, commercial, or industrial property, we are here to support you through every step of asbestos identification and management.
Contact EnviroHive today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in safeguarding your property and ensuring compliance with all relevant asbestos legislation.
