Why the construction date matters
Buildings constructed before 31 October 1993 may still contain asbestos, even if they were renovated later. Possible locations include floor coverings, adhesives, levelling compounds, plaster, fillers, façade panels and insulation.
The material cannot normally be identified reliably by appearance alone. The construction date and renovation history indicate risk but do not replace a professional investigation.
Information to collect before work starts
The customer should provide available information about known or suspected hazardous substances. This includes building records, earlier surveys and details of the surfaces that will be drilled, cut, sanded or removed.
- construction year and previous renovation dates
- existing surveys, laboratory results or disposal records
- precise surfaces and layers affected by the work
- a specialist investigation where the information is inconclusive
When a technical investigation is needed
If suspicious material could be disturbed, do not drill, break or collect a sample simply to check it. Sampling, risk assessment, protective measures and disposal must follow the applicable specialist procedures.
If unknown material is discovered during work, stop the affected invasive work and have the material assessed by a qualified specialist.
HandMen’s scope
HandMen does not inspect, sample, remove, remediate or dispose of asbestos-containing materials. Ordinary work can be reconsidered after a professional assessment has documented a safe scope.
This article provides general information and does not replace a site-specific risk assessment or specialist advice.
