Our services include asbestos surveys (all levels), management plans for asbestos and removal advice & costs.
Range of Services
Ledbury Surveys offers accurate and highly reliable asbestos services with experience of diligently undertaking works on a wide scope of projects. These range from large, complex industrial and construction sites to highly sensitive sites. This includes domestic properties, hospitals, schools, colleges, high-security nuclear complexes, and military facilities.
Furthermore, all lead surveyors employed by Ledbury Surveys hold P402 Bulk Surveys and Bulk Sampling and P405 Management of Asbestos in Buildings qualifications with the company having obtained further qualifications including:
- BOHS S301
- NEBOSH Health and Safety
- CSCS Platinum Site Management and Asbestos Inspector Operative
- CSCS Platinum Award for continued commitment to Health and Safety on Site
- Powered Access Licence
- CITB Confined Space Entry
- Trained in Working at Height
- Qualified for non-licensed asbestos removal
Recent clients and undertakings include:
- Halcrow: Surveying and inspection of various British Waterways sites ranging from offices to workboats
- Sutton Surveys: Type 2 Management asbestos surveys of over 1000 domestic properties as part of Herefordshire Housing’s commitment to CAR 2012
- Worcester College of Technology: Re-inspection and updating of former Type 2 Management asbestos surveys
- St Modwen Developments Ltd: Demolition/Refurbishment surveys of Hednesford Town Centre and Long Marston Industrial Estate
- New Start: Undertaking asbestos management surveys in sheltered accommodation for vulnerable people throughout England.
Additionally, t ensure the highest quality and standards only full UKAS accredited Laboratories are used for asbestos testing.
What is Asbestos?
As a Class 1 Human Carcinogen, Asbestos is a general term for 6 naturally occurring Silicates belonging to the Serpentine and Amphibole mineral classes. There are three major types of asbestos. These were widely used in the construction industry between the 1950’s and the Mid 1980’s. However, as a result, they are still commonly found throughout the United Kingdom:
Chrysotile:
This is a Serpentine mineral that is frequently referred to as white asbestos. Chrysotile is widely used in cement products. It is also commonly found in textured coatings to ceilings and walls such as Artex, old vinyl floor coverings, as textile flash guards and rope seals in old electrical switchgear, as well as in low density insulation boards and thermal insulation products.
Amosite:
An Amphibole mineral, Amosite is distinguished as a brown asbestos fibre. It is most frequently found in low density insulation boards and thermal insulation products. Amosite may also be found in composite materials such as Bakelite.
Crocidolite:
Also an Amphibole mineral, Crocidolite is distinguished as a blue asbestos fibre. Additionally, like Amosite, it is also often found in thermal insulation products as well as composite gaskets to machinery.
Other Minerals:
The three remaining asbestos minerals associated with the Amphibole class of minerals include Tremolite, Actinolite and Anthophyllite. These minerals, however, are extremely rare in the UK.
The importation of Amosite and Crocidolite asbestos was outlawed in the UK in 1985 with a ban on the importation of Chrysotile asbestos passed in 1999. A number of these products imported before these laws were passed can still be found in buildings constructed after these dates. This is the result of irresponsible construction and building maintenance practices.
When in a good condition, ACM are unlikely to release fibres. However, when these materials fall into a state of disrepair, are damaged or disturbed in any way, fibres may become airborne. This increases the risk of being inhaled by people in the surrounding area.
Exposure to asbestos fibres is proven to be a key contributor in the development of Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Lung Cancer and Diffuse Pleural Thickening. These diseases, which typically develop some years after exposure, where not fatal are highly debilitating. To find out more click here to go to the official HSE Asbestos page.
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Our wide range of skills, experience and qualifications enables our team to provide the highest levels when it comes to surveying, management and occupational competence, both onsite and offsite. Call us today for further details on our asbestos services. You can reach our Worcester office by calling on 01684 303470.
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