Any buildings or properties built before 2000 may have asbestos present. In homes, this can include spots like garage roofs and sheds, but it can be more complex with commercial premises. ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) can be found anywhere from offices and warehouses to schools and medical facilities.
While ACMs are often left in situ and closely managed by the duty holder of the building, removals are sometimes required. Here’s some food for thought about what to consider when planning commercial asbestos removals.
How to manage commercial asbestos
If you’re responsible for a commercial property, including a landlord or managing agent, ACMs must be continually monitored to keep occupants and visitors safe. This means understanding where asbestos is present in the building, saving records of its analysis, and scheduling health and safety assessments. Any asbestos will need to remain in good condition, or you’ll need to have it removed or sealed.
A failure to put an asbestos management plan in place and action it when necessary could result in you receiving a hefty fine, and serious breaches can even lead to convictions. Even if your premises remain derelict or vacant, asbestos surveys are legally required.
What is a commercial asbestos survey?
A commercial asbestos survey will report everything you need to know about ACMs present within your building and site. This includes their location, type and condition. Typical asbestos locations in commercial properties include sheds, garages, roofs, outbuildings, ceilings, chimneys and flues, water tanks and farm buildings.
You should book a new asbestos survey annually or before any structural work while sharing all relevant information with contractors who need to work at your premises, such as builders.
Planning a commercial asbestos removal
Professional commercial asbestos removals are required in various circumstances, such as high-risk situations where ACMs are going to be disturbed or construction work is needed. During the initial assessment and survey, sampling and testing may be conducted to help create a detailed asbestos removal plan.
Always work with a licensed and qualified asbestos contractor, whether you need a full site clearance or the safe removal of individual structures within your commercial premises (such as an outbuilding roof). They will assess, contain, remove and dispose of the asbestos as efficiently and safely as possible.
Demolitions and soft strip outs
Demolitions and soft strip-outs can be the riskiest type of commercial removal as the likelihood of ACMs being disturbed is high. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced asbestos contractor.
They can help to isolate, contain and remove any ACMs while also performing the strip out itself, ready for the next stage of work to be completed.
Need more advice? Speak to Goodbye Asbestos now
Do you need a commercial asbestos removal service? Speak to the Goodbye Asbestos team today. We work throughout London, Surrey and the Home Counties, offering our expertise in Bracknell, Camberley and surrounding areas.
To get started and receive an asbestos removal quote, contact us today.
