All commercial properties that were constructed before the year 2000 should have an asbestos register in place, with any identified asbestos-containing materials being managed and reviewed on a regular cycle. However, many UK properties have not undergone an asbestos survey report, or have the required management controls in place which leads to confusion for tradesmen, property owners, and the general public due to the lack of awareness.
Many individuals and organisations have become aware of the requirement to provide asbestos information under certain circumstances.
Surveys
An asbestos management survey is designed to locate any potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the property and is the starting point for ongoing management of asbestos within the premises.
If you are planning work on a property that exceeds the scope of the management survey, you require a more invasive survey before you can proceed with the planned activity, known as a refurbishment and demolition survey – which is a legal requirement under asbestos regulations when you alter the fabric of a building.
Plans
If asbestos has been identified within the property, you need a detailed asbestos management plan on how the materials will be managed to keep all occupants, tradespeople, and visitors safe from potential exposure.
The management plan showcases how you protect everyone from asbestos within your premises. This is also a legal requirement under asbestos regulations and will need regular frequent monitoring to ensure that the steps detailed are being followed and any damage / incident with asbestos is investigated, and adjustments made to the plan to ensure the incident doesn’t re-occur.
Your asbestos will also require regular re-inspection to ensure the material has not become damaged or degraded, which could lead to exposure to asbestos fibre.
Buying or selling
If you are purchasing a commercial property, you should ideally have an asbestos survey Manchester conducted, as if you purchase an existing property that doesn’t have one and it is found to contain ACMs, it is your problem. Ideally, the presence of asbestos would be disclosed to you upon buying a property, as well as any survey or plan in action – but this may not always be the case.
Sellers often only encounter a survey requirement when a buyer, buyer’s agent, or lender request one. If you are aware of asbestos when selling a commercial property, it should be disclosed to potential buyers upfront.
Entering or exiting a lease
If you sign a lease on a property where you are responsible for the maintenance, the responsibility towards asbestos risk lies with you in a majority of cases. You will need to request updated information from your prospective landlord to ensure any present asbestos is in a safe and manageable condition.
Upon exiting a lease, you will have to make sure that all asbestos information has been updated and that the asbestos is in good condition, as landlords will expect this upon you leaving. Asbestos compliance is extremely important – If you have not complied with the statutory obligations, you should expect that charges may fall onto you as part of the dilapidations process.
There are many instances where you would require an asbestos survey report for a commercial or industrial property, but it pays to be safe from the start. Contact the team at Grosvenor Asbestos Solutions today for all asbestos removal services, asbestos removal south Manchester, and asbestos removal Manchester.
