Managing Asbestos Risks in Commercial Properties

 


Asbestos was once a common material in the UK construction industry, prized for its strength, heat resistance, and insulation properties. However, today it is widely known for the significant health risks it poses, particularly when disturbed. For commercial buildings, where employees, contractors, and visitors are frequently present, handling asbestos properly is not just crucial for safety, but is also a legal obligation.

If your property was built before 2000, there’s a good chance it may contain asbestos. Identifying, assessing, and managing asbestos risks is essential to prevent accidental exposure and stay compliant with UK laws.

 

Why Is Asbestos a Concern in Commercial Properties?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were once widely used in buildings for things like pipe insulation, floor tiles, ceiling coatings, and wall panels. Over time, these materials can deteriorate or get disturbed during maintenance or minor repairs.

When ACMs are damaged, asbestos fibres are released into the air, and inhaling these fibres can lead to serious health conditions, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and asbestos-related lung cancer. In commercial properties, this risk extends to employees, visitors, contractors, and even third-party workers, which can result in legal claims or significant business disruption.

 

Why Conduct an Asbestos Management Survey?

One of the first steps in managing asbestos in your commercial property is to carry out an asbestos management survey, which is required by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for non-domestic premises.

The purpose of the survey is to:

·         Identify and locate any asbestos-containing materials

·         Assess their condition

·         Provide recommendations for safe management or removal

This survey enables property owners, landlords, and facility managers to implement a strategy to prevent accidental disturbances. It’s particularly important for older buildings, including offices, warehouses, schools, and healthcare facilities, where ACMs are more likely to be found.

 

What’s Involved in an Asbestos Risk Assessment?

Once it has been identified, an asbestos risk assessment is essential to evaluate the likelihood of asbestos fibres being released into the air and assess the potential risk to anyone on the property.

Key considerations during a risk assessment include:

·         The type and condition of the ACM

·         The potential for disturbance during everyday activities or upcoming works

·         The likelihood of exposure to staff, visitors, or contractors

The results of the assessment will guide you on whether the asbestos can remain in place and be monitored or if it requires sealing or professional removal. Without a comprehensive risk assessment, you run the risk of unknowingly exposing people to harm.

 

Why Is Asbestos Lab Testing Necessary?

One of the most common misconceptions property managers have is, that asbestos can be identified just by sight. In reality, many materials look similar, and only asbestos lab testing can definitively confirm the presence of asbestos.

Professional surveyors will take small, controlled samples and send them to accredited labs for testing. These labs use specialized techniques to detect asbestos fibres, giving you reliable results that allow for informed decisions.

Lab testing also provides legal protection. If an incident were to occur, you can demonstrate that proper testing was carried out, proving that you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

 

Ongoing Asbestos Monitoring and Management

Not all asbestos needs to be removed immediately. In many cases, it can be managed safely in place, but this requires consistent monitoring.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, building owners must maintain an asbestos register, which includes detailed records of the location, type, and condition of any ACMs. Regular re-inspections are also required to ensure that the material remains in a safe state.

If any construction, refurbishment, or demolition work is planned, an additional survey will be needed to assess the potential risk to workers and tenants.

 

Why Hire a Licensed Asbestos Specialist?

Managing asbestos risks is not a task for unqualified individuals or general contractors. It requires experts who are familiar with safety protocols, legal obligations, and the technical details involved in asbestos management.

 

At Scopus Asbestos Compliance Ltd, we provide a full range of professional asbestos services for commercial properties, including:

·         Asbestos management surveys

·        Risk assessments

·         Lab testing and accurate results

·         Safe removal and disposal of asbestos

·         Compliance advice and consultancy

Our team ensures fast, reliable reporting, and full regulatory compliance—without shortcuts or guesswork.

 

Conclusion

While asbestos may be hidden from view, it should never be overlooked, especially in commercial buildings where the safety of employees, tenants, and visitors is at risk. By taking proactive steps, through surveys, testing, and risk assessments you protect both people and your business from potential harm, legal trouble, and costly disruptions.

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