In the UK, asbestos has been banned since before the turn of the millennium. This was because exposure to it was found to cause cancer and respiratory problems.
The substance is still a threat for many home and business owners, even twenty years after it was outlawed. It can still be found in many buildings & properties that were designed before it was made illegal. However, it can be removed without any risk by qualified asbestos professionals.
Manchester is one of the largest and most developed cities in the UK. This means that, unfortunately, it has a high concentration of asbestos when compared to most areas. The city has witnessed an increased amount of asbestos in recent years, including some people fly tipping materials that contain it. This is due to the renovation work older buildings in Manchester are starting to need.
Eventually, buildings age and the property needs to be repaired. Asbestos can be uncovered once work begins, which is unsafe for those participating or nearby. Asbestos that resides inside the building can is harmful to those in the vicinity once exposed.
When left alone, asbestos is generally safe. It is hidden and sealed up, so it's unlikely to pose any danger. However, if work starts before it is noticed, then there may be issues. This is why, before that happens, it needs to be identified and removed.
Once identified, asbestos can then be removed by experienced experts who know what they are doing. Asbestos identification can be achieved by testing materials suspected of containing small quantities of it - this is where our Asbestos-Sampling test kits come in.
Asbestos can be defined as various minerals that are made up of a specific group of microscopic fibres. In the last 100 years, the material has been used widely in construction projects throughout Britain, including major cities such as Manchester.
Used throughout Manchester in insulation, flooring, roofing, ceilings, and walls, this 'magic material was considered so helpful that it was used in abundance by building firms. Before they realised the material was even remotely harmful.
Asbestos was used extensively on an industrial scale, combined with cement, roofing, and walls. It was used so much that it became virtually impossible to pinpoint everywhere it could be.
Today, asbestos remains in high concentrations, especially in older buildings. Those which may soon be subject to alterations should be tested for asbestos before any substantial work begins.
When inhaled, asbestos can be increasingly hazardous over time. Unfortunately, when this was found, it had already been applied to a large number of buildings.
It is possible to inhale tiny asbestos fibres, which can cause health issues such as lung cancer and other debilitating respiratory ailments. Although asbestos that is still hidden away poses minimal risk, once the microscopic particles are exposed, problems can occur. Therefore, it's often recommended that an owner of a building understands where it is before risking its exposure.
It can take several years for symptoms of asbestos-related disorders to develop, but they can be life-threatening once they do. Tradespeople are typically most at risk, including plumbers and builders. When asbestos is encountered, they may have been the ones to expose it. But all building occupants could be at risk, including family members and building staff.
Before asbestos can be removed from your property, but first it needs to be detected, our Asbestos testing kits are specially designed to help you find it.
Our tests enable you to gather and submit an asbestos sample for analysis safely. If there are traces of asbestos in the material you send us, we will advise you about this once your sample is tested. From here, removal can be arranged via a third party.
It can be dangerous to disturb asbestos; so, our kits come with detailed instructions and appropriate personal protective equipment. Our industry regulators approve the equipment we provide. We will gladly talk to you through the process by phone if you need guidance.
By watching the video on our website, you can learn more about how the process is performed. The good news is that only a small sample is needed, so you'll be perfectly safe when using the test. Your sample will be sent to our lab for processing once it arrives. We'll try to do this on the same day your sample arrives.
If your sample tests are asbestos positive, we will then inform you immediately and advise on what to do next. We will also help you coordinate asbestos removal and refer you to a local company if needed. Weather you're testing asbestos in Manchester or anywhere in the UK our kits are suitable for use nationwide!
If you're uncertain that there is any asbestos in your building, then a full asbestos management survey could be a safer option. This will help to confirm whether the building contains asbestos. It's also much more in-depth than a test kit that's only intended to test a specific area.
There are a couple of options when it comes to asbestos surveys
Asbestos Management Survey
This is a non-intrusive survey which involves a surveyor taking a look around the property and making note of any visible suspect materials. (Taking samples when necessary) prices range from £200 +VAT
Asbestos Refurbishment Survey
A refurbishment survey is much more intrusive and involves searching the building for any potential asbestos, this includes pulling up flooring, and exposing the fabric of the building. The aim is to find any and all potential asbestos containing materials and taking a sample to be tested at the lab. The report will then show the type and condition of asbestos found. prices tend to range from £400 +VAT
Asbestos Demolition Survey
An asbestos demolition (type 3) survey is used by clients looking to demolish a building. It's pretty much identical to a refurbishment survey with a few added checks with the understanding that the building is to be knocked down. The survey will contain information and advice regarding any asbestos found and how it should be dealt with e.g to be removed by a licensed asbestos removal company.
When choosing an asbestos surveyor its worth checking the local pages of ACAD, UKAS or ARCA to find certified and reliable surveyors in the Manchester area.
Asbestos sampling does not perform surveys. But we can help you arrange one through a third-party. We have a range of partners who offer asbestos services (including asbestos removal, asbestos inspections & surveys) who we can put you in touch with. Their surveyors will help you to identify whether your building does contain asbestos.
You can then know precisely where any asbestos may be located after a survey is performed; it would also mean that you will not have to do a sample test, as you'll know everything you need from the survey.
But if you're concerned about traces of asbestos in a particular part of your house or another building that you own, then you can order one of our affordable asbestos test kits. This involves taking samples and sending them off to our UKAS accredited laboratory. We offer a same day turn around service which means quick results and piece of mind. (all results remain confidential and are only seen by the lab and the client)
We will help you identify if your building contains asbestos, where it could be, and ultimately, how to get it removed.
If asbestos has been identified the next step is to have the asbestos removal by a licensed asbestos contractor
If you have any questions regarding asbestos testing then please use our contact form and get in touch! Our kits can be used nationwide!
Have more questions?
Contact Our Team
Have more questions?
Contact Our Team
