By Sean Rooney
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October 28, 2024
You've found the perfect old house, brimming with character, and you're eager to start renovations. But beware: hidden within those walls and floors could be asbestos, a dangerous material that releases harmful fibres when disturbed. These fibres can cause serious lung diseases, like cancer. Before you begin any work, an asbestos refurbishment survey is essential. It's the only way to identify and safely manage this hidden threat, protecting yourself and those you love. Key Takeaways Asbestos is a serious health hazard: Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to debilitating and fatal diseases. Refurbishment surveys are essential: These surveys identify all ACMs in a building before renovation or demolition work begins. Competent surveyors are crucial: Choose a surveyor with the necessary training, experience, and expertise to conduct a thorough survey. Survey reports must be accurate: Ensure the report is complete, clear, and compliant with all regulations. Duty holders are responsible: Managing asbestos risks is a legal and moral obligation. Prioritise safety: Assume a building contains asbestos unless proven otherwise. By understanding these key takeaways and implementing the recommendations outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with asbestos exposure during renovation projects and contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone involved.