If you believe that you have dislodged or damaged asbestos, or materials that contain asbestos, it is necessary to take precautions in order to reduce the risk of individuals being exposed to the substance.
Asbestos is a danger to human health when fibres from the material are dislodged and can get into the air. Once they are airborne, they can be breathed into the lungs where they can potentially cause damage which will eventually lead to a number of asbestos-related illnesses.
If asbestos has been disturbed in a building that is being renovated, it is essential to ensure that asbestos fibres are not present in the atmosphere before any further work can commence. If you believe that you or a member of your staff has disturbed asbestos in a way that could release fibres into the air, you should leave the premises and have an asbestos air test carried out.
How do asbestos air tests work?
Only experienced professionals should carry out asbestos air tests. They involve drawing a specific volume of air through a filter over a measured period of time. Particles in the air are collected in the filter, and this filter is then sent away to a lab to be analysed.
If asbestos is found in the filter then it may be necessary to have further removal work carried out before work can resume.
Do I require an air test?
If asbestos has been disturbed in a property or premises you own, you have a legal duty of care to ensure that any members of staff or members of the public are protected from coming into contact with the material. As such, you should speak to asbestos professionals to establish your next steps.
In some cases, you may need to have an asbestos air test carried out, in others it may be more appropriate to have an asbestos survey conducted to establish whether asbestos may be present.
Arranging an air test
At Crucial Environmental, we do not currently carry out our own air monitoring services, however we would be happy to arrange air monitoring through our trusted and vetted suppliers, who are accredited to ISO 17025 by UKAS.
However, as an air test may not be necessary in every case, we recommend talking with our experienced team about the needs of your property. We can provide impartial advice as to whether an air test is required, or if you need a different asbestos service. Contact our friendly team for more information.