Asbestos Management vs Removal
Let us kick off the new year with a frequent dilemma our clients come across - is it best to remove all the asbestos containing materials (ACM), or manage them. It is hard to know what to do for the best, especially when budgets are tight, but safety must still be a priority.
The answer isn't simple - sorry! - it depends on multiple factors:
Is the ACM going to be disturbed by planned works? If yes, then it must be removed or be worked on by a licenced asbestos removalist in most situations. Especially when it comes to renovations or demolition.
Is the ACM in an area where it is at risk of being disturbed or damaged? You will need to assess the risk of the product to help you prioritise your next steps. If your current budget does not allow for removal straight away, enclosing the ACM is a way of controlling the risk, alongside it being clearly identified with your asbestos management plan.
Is the ACM in poor condition? You can work out though your risk assessment whether a one off removal or ongoing remediation would be cost effective. For example, if the ACM is in an area that is rarely accessed, you could consider restricting access, only allowing trained personnel with appropriate control measures in place to enter, until budget allows for removal or remediation. High risk materials in an occupied area would be higher priority for removal or remediation.
Is the ACM in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed during normal building operations? It would be reasonable to manage the ACM in situ, utilising your Asbestos Management Plan, site procedures and regular reinspection surveys to ensure the material isn't degrading.
Do you have an unlimited budget and just want the asbestos gone? Great! But just to warn you, you need to engage competent asbestos removal contractors and you will need to get a clearance certificate for all the works carried out as proof the areas are asbestos free. Furthermore, all the asbestos may not be fully removed from your property unless you are completely demolishing it. Some materials may be hidden in the fabric of the building and it may just not be possible to remove all of them fully.
This is just a few examples, there are more scenarios you may be faced with. With all of these situations, both removal and management have the potential for risk so here are our top tips for proceeding:
Always do your due diligence when engaging an asbestos removalist. (We can help you with this, click reply and we will get in touch)
Make sure your asbestos management plan is kept up to date and you ensure routine reinspection surveys are carried out.
Always get further asbestos survey work carried out before you proceed with renovations or demolition.
Overall, it is a matter of working out the risk of asbestos exposure (harm to life) then assessing your budget to work out whether asbestos management, remediation or removal will keep you and everyone else safe. Not doing anything is not an option though. A good first step is to get an asbestos survey to help you identify and assess the risk.
If you are unsure about how to proceed with the asbestos you are dealing with, contact us through the details below.