The fact that a major retailer was recently fined £1 million for failing to protect customers, staff and workers from potential exposure to asbestos during refurbishment at two of its stores should send alarm bells to owners of all commercial buildings known to contain asbestos.

Asbestos causes cancer and around 7,500 deaths were recorded last year from asbestos related illnesses. As it is so latent in its action such terminal illnesses can take years to manifest themselves.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, all commercial buildings built before 1999 must have an up-to-date Asbestos Management Survey and a duty holder is required to be appointed by the occupier to manage the risk of any asbestos present in the building which may pose a risk to the occupants and/or maintenance personnel. A thorough invasive survey must be carried out by a professional, qualified asbestos surveyor, on any pre 1999 building known to contain asbestos before any refurbishment work can commence.

When a building is sold or a new lease taken the Asbestos Management Survey (AMS) should be passed on to the new owner or tenant. “Conveyancing solicitors are now very aware of this requirement and the number of legal cases over AMS’s is increasing” says Stuart Holton, a fully qualified asbestos surveyor with Aitchison Raffety. Fines can be high as shown in the case of the national retailer.

Holton sights a recent survey he undertook on a property which had brown amosite fibres in the loft as years before an asbestos duct panel had been smashed to pieces. The suspended ceiling below now has to be replaced. “The total cost of the remediation works and new ceiling is around £12,000” says Holton, adding “and this is before the property can be marketed for sale”.

For further information on asbestos management surveys and other commercial property matters, contact Aitchison Raffety on 0800 280 0122 or via the web at www.argroup.co.uk or email asbestos@argroup.co.uk

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