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BCS Environmental

Is Your Building at Risk? 5 Signs Your Property Needs an Asbestos Survey


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Asbestos may no longer be used in modern construction, but its legacy lives on in millions of buildings across the UK. Hidden in walls, ceilings, and pipe insulation, this once-popular material poses serious health risks if disturbed. Yet many property owners remain unaware of its presence—until it’s too late.


How do you know if your building might contain asbestos? This guide outlines five key signs that your property needs a professional asbestos survey.


1. The Age of Your Building


Buildings constructed before the year 2000 are particularly at risk of containing asbestos. Up until its ban in 1999, asbestos was widely used in construction for its durability, heat resistance, and affordability [1]. Properties built between the 1940s and 1980s are especially likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as:


  • Insulation boards.

  • Floor tiles.

  • Spray coatings on ceilings or beams.


If your property was built or renovated during this period, it’s essential to have an asbestos survey carried out to identify and manage any potential risks.


2. The Type of Building


The likelihood of asbestos being present also depends on the type of building. Certain categories of structures are more likely to have used ACMs extensively:


  • Public buildings: Schools, hospitals, and council offices frequently used asbestos for fireproofing and insulation.

  • Industrial buildings: Factories, power plants, and warehouses relied on asbestos for machinery insulation and heat protection.

  • Residential properties: Older homes may contain asbestos in textured coatings (e.g., Artex) or pipe lagging.


If you manage or own these types of buildings, a survey can help ensure compliance with UK regulations and protect occupants’ safety [2].


3. Historical Uses of the Building


A property’s past use can reveal hidden risks. For example:


  • Factories and workshops: Buildings once used for manufacturing or heavy industry are likely to have ACMs in machinery insulation or roofing materials.

  • Conversions: Properties converted into flats, offices, or other uses may still retain legacy asbestos materials from their original purpose.


Investigating the historical purpose of your building can provide valuable clues about whether an asbestos survey is necessary.


4. Planned Renovations or Updates


Renovation or demolition projects can disturb ACMs, releasing harmful asbestos fibres into the air. Before starting any significant work, UK law requires an asbestos survey to identify and manage ACMs safely [2].


Pre-refurbishment and demolition surveys are specifically designed for this purpose. They help:


  • Locate asbestos materials in areas likely to be disturbed.

  • Minimise exposure risks for workers and occupants.

  • Ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 [2].


Failing to conduct a survey before renovations can result in serious health risks, legal penalties, and costly project delays.


5. Unexplained Fibrous Materials Around Utilities


One of the clearest physical signs of asbestos is the presence of fibrous or suspicious materials, particularly around utilities like water, gas, and electrical systems. Common examples include:


  • Asbestos pipe lagging: Found on older water or heating pipes.

  • Electrical installations: ACMs were often used in fuse boxes, switchboards, and wiring insulation.


If you notice fibrous or deteriorating materials around these areas, it’s crucial to consult a professional surveyor immediately. Attempting to handle or disturb these materials without proper training and equipment can release dangerous fibres into the air.


Conclusion


If your building meets any of these criteria, it’s time to take action. Asbestos may be a hidden threat, but proactive management can save lives, protect property, and ensure compliance with UK laws. A professional asbestos survey is the first step to identifying and managing risks effectively.


📞 Contact us today to book an asbestos survey or learn more about our services.


References

  1. Health and Safety Executive. (1999). The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations.

  2. Health and Safety Executive. (2012). Control of Asbestos Regulations.

  3. Health and Safety Executive. (2012). HSG264: Asbestos: The Survey Guide.

 
 
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