It’s a sobering fact: despite being banned in 1999, asbestos is still lurking in buildings across the UK. This toxic substance, which was once hailed as a miracle material for its strength and insulation properties, is now responsible for thousands of deaths each year. From schools and hospitals to homes and offices, asbestos remains hidden in structures all around us—and it’s not just in walls and ceilings. Yes, even the drains beneath our feet may contain asbestos.
So, what’s the solution to this invisible danger? Surveys and management. Identifying asbestos in a property is the first and most crucial step in protecting occupants from the risk of exposure. Here’s why the importance of survey and management can’t be overstated—and why failing to do so is a gamble with public health.
Asbestos: Still Present, Still Deadly
According to data from NORAC, the National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants, over 78% of UK buildings surveyed between 2021 and 2022 were found to contain asbestos. That’s almost 80,000 buildings with asbestos woven into their structures. Worse yet, 63% of those sites showed signs of damaged asbestos, increasing the risk of fibre release. Those fibres are invisible to the naked eye, but inhaling them can lead to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that asbestos-related illnesses claim over 5,000 lives in the UK each year.
It’s time we ask ourselves: could our own buildings be hiding this silent killer?
Where is Asbestos Hiding? From Ceilings to… Drains?
Most people associate asbestos with insulation or old ceiling tiles. But asbestos was used in countless construction materials, including drainage pipes, downpipes, and underground sewer systems. Back in the day, asbestos cement was favoured for its durability, and it found its way into piping that still runs beneath many UK properties. As these materials age, they can degrade, crack, or get damaged during maintenance, releasing asbestos fibres into the surrounding environment.
Imagine unknowingly disturbing asbestos fibres while doing routine drain work. The risk is real, and without proper management, so is the potential harm.
The First Line of Defence: Survey
If you own or manage an older building, the most important step you can take is to arrange an certified asbestos survey. This survey, conducted by licensed professionals, will identify where asbestos is present, what type of asbestos it is, and assess its condition. There are two primary types of surveys:
- Management Survey: Designed for occupied buildings, this survey helps you locate asbestos in accessible areas and assess any risk of exposure. It’s ideal for day-to-day management, allowing you to keep an eye on asbestos that may not need immediate removal.
- Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: For buildings undergoing renovation or demolition, this survey identifies all asbestos-containing materials, including those hidden in less accessible areas like behind walls and under floors. This survey ensures safe handling during construction work, preventing unexpected asbestos exposure.
Thinking about renovations or repairs? Make sure you start with a professional asbestos survey.
Managing Asbestos: Staying Safe, Staying Compliant
Once asbestos is identified, effective hazard management is essential to keeping everyone safe. The goal isn’t always removal; sometimes, asbestos can be safely contained or sealed in place. For example, if asbestos is found in the drains, sealing it with specialised materials can reduce the risk of fibre release without disturbing the pipe.
Key steps in asbestos management include:
- Regular Inspections: Monitoring the condition of asbestos over time helps you detect any damage that may increase risk.
- Asbestos Management Plans: An official plan detailing where asbestos is located, how it will be managed, and what procedures to follow in case of an emergency.
- Licensed Removal: When asbestos is damaged or poses a significant risk, professional removal may be necessary. Licensed contractors follow strict protocols to ensure safe and legal disposal of asbestos materials.
Proper management keeps your building compliant with HSE regulations, which are designed to protect both occupants and the wider community.
The Role of Government and Regulatory Bodies
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for regulating asbestos safety in the UK. However, funding cuts of around 46% over the last decade have raised concerns about the HSE’s ability to maintain adequate asbestos oversight. Despite these challenges, HSE remains committed to enforcing regulations, providing guidance, and supporting public awareness initiatives.
But the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with regulatory bodies. Building owners, landlords, and managers must also take proactive steps to protect their properties and the people within them.
The Consequences of Ignoring Asbestos Risks
Failing to survey or manage asbestos isn’t just a legal risk—it’s a health risk. Asbestos fibres can lie dormant for decades in the lungs, only to cause serious health conditions later in life. Employers and property owners who don’t manage asbestos risk exposing themselves to legal claims, fines, and, most importantly, the risk of endangering lives.
Ask yourself: Do you really know what’s hiding within your walls, ceilings, and even your drains?
In Summary: Protect Your Property, Protect Lives
Asbestos is a silent threat, embedded in the very fabric of the UK’s built environment. From ceilings to blocked drains in Kent, asbestos still lurks in older buildings, posing a danger to unsuspecting occupants and maintenance workers alike. The solution? Prioritise asbestos surveys and management to identify and mitigate risks before they become serious health hazards.
Protect your property, protect your people, and make an asbestos survey your first line of defence. Contact a licensed asbestos surveyor today and take the first step towards a safer building for everyone.
