Some words strike fear into home buyers’ hearts and none more than ‘asbestos’. The fact is that it was only banned in the UK in the mid-1990’s and it’s present in many materials – artex, lagging, some cement products, thermos-plastic floor tiles to name but a few. The problem is that without testing, it’s difficult to know how much asbestos content, if any, a material contains.

Asbestos poses a threat to health if fibres which may be released when it’s damaged are inhaled by humans. If undisturbed, it’s typically safe. Correctly assessing and managing the risks posed by asbestos needs balanced advice from a knowledgeable professional who understands residential property.

It’s why the reassurance that this inspection gave to homebuyers proved to be invaluable and meant that the purchase of this one-bedroom residential property could proceed.

The buyer had been alerted to the possibility of asbestos content in stippled ceiling finishes throughout the property. A detailed inspection of the property (not just ceilings) was carried out by an asbestos specialist. Their aim was to identify any suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the building that could potentially be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or installations.

Samples were taken during the inspection that were subsequently sent for laboratory testing. This survey involves careful assessment and analysis to evaluate the condition of ACMs and their potential to release harmful fibres into the air if disturbed.

The specialist then compiled a detailed report encompassing an asbestos register, material risk assessment, and floor plans, highlighting the specific areas and rooms where these ACMs were identified. Obviously, it’s important that the client understands the implications of the report, so one of the specialist’s senior technical team spoke directly with the client to talk through the report’s findings, and recommendations in detail.