Who Is Responsible For Asbestos Removal At Private Home In Devon?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1990s. The use of asbestos was halted as it was discovered that exposure to asbestos could cause various types of cancer, lung disease, and other serious health issues. If you own or manage a property built before the year 2000, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos and to manage it appropriately.

Managing asbestos in buildings is a legal duty that must be taken seriously. In this article, we will discuss who is responsible for asbestos removal at private homes in Devon, the regulations that need to be followed, and the importance of managing asbestos correctly to protect your health and the health of others.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to a group of fibrous minerals that occur naturally and were used extensively in building materials during the 20th century. There are several types of asbestos that can be found in buildings, but the most common are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Of these, chrysotile is the most prevalent and was widely used in the UK construction industry.

Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials, including insulation, ceiling tiles, flooring, roofing, pipes, and cement. It was popular due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulation properties. However, asbestos is now known to be harmful to health, and its use has been banned in most countries worldwide.

Who Has A Duty To Manage Asbestos In Buildings?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 set out the legal duty of those responsible for managing the risk of exposure to asbestos in non-domestic premises, including common parts of domestic premises (e.g. hallways, staircases, or lifts in apartment blocks). The key duty holders are:

Building Owner

The building owner has overall responsibility for managing the risk from asbestos in non-domestic buildings, including communal areas in domestic premises. They must identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on their premises and manage or remove any asbestos that presents a risk.

Duty Holder

In buildings where there is no clear building owner, the duty holder should take responsibility for managing asbestos. Duty holders must identify and manage asbestos within their premises, including the risk of exposure to any members of the public.

Tenant

If you are a tenant living in rented accommodation, your landlord has a legal duty to manage asbestos. However, it is essential to report any suspected ACMs to the landlord or the relevant duty holder.

The Risks of Asbestos Exposure In Domestic Properties

It is not just those working on construction sites who are at risk of asbestos exposure; residents of domestic properties where ACMs are present can also be at risk. Dust and fibers from ACM can become airborne during DIY or remedial work, making exposure more likely.

Exposure to asbestos fibers does not always cause immediate symptoms, but asbestos-related illnesses may take many years to develop. The most common illnesses associated with asbestos exposure are mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, a type of lung disease.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses and can be fatal. Therefore, it is vital to manage any ACMs in the home to reduce the risk of exposure to these harmful fibers.

Asbestos Management in Domestic Properties

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 also sets out specific requirements for managing asbestos in domestic properties. Landlords and property management companies are considered duty holders and are required to:

• Identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within their premises
• Assess any identified ACMs for the risk they pose
• Prepare a written plan for managing the risks posed by ACMs
• Provide asbestos-related information to anyone who may disturb the ACMs.

Asbestos Removal in Domestic Premises

It is not always necessary to remove asbestos-containing materials from domestic premises, especially if the materials are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed.

However, if you have ACMs on your property that are in poor condition or are likely to be disturbed during repairs, renovation, or demolition work, you should seek professional advice. An accredited asbestos removal company like ours, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, is trained and licensed to remove ACMs safely and efficiently.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an accredited asbestos removal company operating in Devon and the North and South West of England. Our highly trained and experienced team of asbestos removal specialists provides a complete asbestos removal service, including asbestos surveys, sampling, and disposal.

We understand the importance of complying with asbestos regulations and managing risk to protect the health and safety of our clients and their families. Our team is committed to doing the job right, providing a professional service at an affordable price.

Conclusion

Managing asbestos in buildings is a legal duty, and those responsible must take it seriously. There are significant risks associated with exposure to asbestos, so it is vital to manage ACMs appropriately in domestic properties. Landlords and duty holders must identify and manage any ACMs on their premises to protect their tenants' and the public's health and safety. If you suspect your property has ACMs, it is essential to seek professional advice from an accredited asbestos removal company like ours, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey or removal requirements. Our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk, provides more information about our services, accreditations, and recent projects.