It hides in walls, ceilings, and floors. You can’t see it, smell it, or hear it—but make no mistake, asbestos is no ordinary building material. It’s a silent killer. And despite being banned in the UK since 1999, it still lurks in thousands of older buildings, posing a very real threat to health, safety and the bottom line.
If you own, manage or are about to refurbish a building constructed before the turn of the millennium, it’s time to face the facts. Asbestos exposure isn’t just dangerous—it can be fatal. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective way to stop the danger before it starts: a professional asbestos survey.
Let’s explore how this critical first step eliminates asbestos risk and why ignoring it is a gamble no responsible property owner should take.
Contents
- What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Still a Problem?
- The Hidden Dangers: Where Asbestos Lurks in Older Buildings
- How an Asbestos Survey Works—and Why It Matters
- Comparing Building Risks With and Without a Survey
- FAQs: Asbestos, Surveys and Legal Responsibility
1. What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Still a Problem?
Once dubbed the “magic mineral” for its fireproof, insulating, and soundproof qualities, asbestos was widely used in construction throughout the 20th century. But science eventually caught up with its dark side.
The risks of asbestos:
- When disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne.
- These invisible particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
- Prolonged exposure is linked to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos is responsible for over 5,000 deaths a year in the UK—more than road traffic accidents. It’s been banned for over two decades, but its legacy remains.
2. The Hidden Dangers: Where Asbestos Lurks in Older Buildings
The problem isn’t just old factories or council flats—schools, offices, shops, and even private homes built before 2000 could still contain asbestos.
Common hiding spots include:
- Ceiling tiles and partition walls
- Pipe insulation and boiler casings
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Fire doors and panels
- Roofing sheets and soffits
It’s like playing structural Russian roulette: you won’t know it’s there until you test for it. And by then, it might be too late.
3. How an Asbestos Survey Works—and Why It Matters
A professional asbestos survey is like a health check for your building. It identifies the presence, condition, and risk of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) before they become a danger.
Types of surveys offered by AJC Environmental:
- Management Survey – For ongoing use of a property, to ensure safety during day-to-day operations.
- Refurbishment and Demolition Survey – Required before any structural work. This survey is more intrusive and ensures that workers are not put at risk.
- Re-inspection Survey – For monitoring known asbestos over time.
Benefits of a professional survey:
- Ensures compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Prevents accidental exposure during refurbishments or maintenance
- Avoids costly project delays and legal trouble
- Provides peace of mind for staff, tenants, and contractors
4. Comparing Building Risks With and Without a Survey
| Factor | With Asbestos Survey | Without Asbestos Survey |
| Legal compliance | Meets HSE requirements | At risk of prosecution and fines |
| Occupant safety | Risks identified and controlled | Unknown exposure to potentially fatal fibres |
| Renovation planning | Safer, more accurate budgeting and timelines | Delays and disruption if asbestos is found later |
| Insurance coverage | Easier claims and lower premiums | Risk of invalidated insurance |
| Reputation | Seen as responsible and diligent | Risk of being labelled negligent or reckless |
It’s clear: a survey isn’t just a precaution—it’s protection.
5. FAQs: Asbestos, Surveys and Legal Responsibility
-
Is a survey legally required?
Yes, for any commercial property built before 2000, a survey is required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
-
Do I need a survey for a home?
Not legally for sale, but highly recommended if planning renovations, especially in pre-2000 buildings.
-
Can I check for asbestos myself?
No. Asbestos identification requires lab analysis and should only be carried out by trained professionals.
-
How long does it take to get results?
Most surveys are completed in one day, with lab results and a full report within 5–7 working days.
-
What if asbestos is found?
Depending on its condition, it may be safe to manage in place or require removal by a licensed contractor.
Conclusion: A Simple Step That Saves Lives
Asbestos may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. The true cost of ignoring it isn’t just financial—it’s personal. Whether you’re managing an office, running a school, or renovating a beloved family home, a professional asbestos survey is a small investment with life-saving potential.
Don’t gamble with your safety—or your future. One survey could be the difference between a smooth project and a catastrophic mistake.
Because when it comes to asbestos, silence isn’t golden—it’s deadly.
