Asbestos Surveys in Birmingham
Armco Asbestos Surveys specialise in the provision of Asbestos Management and Asbestos Refurbishment / Demolition surveys.
Armco have a UKAS registered quality management system which complies to ISO 9001 and we are also affiliated members of The British Occupational Hygiene Society.
Our Asbestos Surveyors have worked with Asbestos for over 15 years as both asbestos surveyors, trainers and removers, we have a wealth of experience in working with almost every type of asbestos containing material.
Armco regularly provide our asbestos surveys and asbestos awareness training to a wide range of businesses from sme's to high level blue chip companies.
Here at Armco we aim to provide our clients with a highly professional and comprehensive asbestos surveying service, as an independent asbestos survey company we can provide your company with impartial accurate and cost effective asbestos management solutions.
If you are currently about to undertake the refurbishment or demolition of any building built until the year 2000 be it a large commercial office block or a small scale residential development then common-sense dictates the likelihood of asbestos being present hidden inside the buildings structure and equipment.
Armco are amongst the North West's leading asbestos surveying companies providing professional and in-depth asbestos related services to business throughout Birmingham
Our asbestos surveyors are highly trained experts in the identifying and management of asbestos containing materials or (ACM's) and pride ourselves on our in-depth approach to carrying out asbestos surveys.
We provide the following services throughout the United Kingdom;
- Asbestos Management Surveys
- Asbestos Demolition and Refurbishment Surveys.
- Asbestos Awareness Training.
Did you know that the United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma (asbestos related cancer) in the world, this is largely because the UK government permitted the use of asbestos containing materials in construction for a long time after other countries outlawed the use of this highly dangerous mineral.
In 2013, a total of 2,538 UK residents died from mesothelioma, and from 2011 to 2013 the UK's mesothelioma rates rose to 68.2% per million for men and 12.7% per million for women so it would seem that we as a country took far to long to learn a valuable and costly lesson.
Identifying Asbestos
The proper and correct identification of asbestos containing materials within a structure or plant equipment is the first step one must take to be able to comprise a complete and effective solution, asbestos removal is always worst-case scenario and will only be recommended as a must do in demolition scenarios.
For works where refurbishments are taking place other such solutions include encapsulation of the asbestos containing materials by utilising a coating that is specifically formulated to effectively seal in loose asbestos fibres.
Should the asbestos survey reveal that the ACM's contained within the structure are in satisfactory condition and are unlikely to be damaged or disturbed during refurbishment works then it is considered best practice for them to remain in place and that their condition monitored at regular intervals documented and managed to ensure they are not disturbed at any time in the future.
Types of Asbestos
- Chrysotile Asbestos: also known as white asbestos. chrysotile fibres are soft and fine and are capable of resisting high temperatures, the use of chrysotile asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.
- Amosite Asbestos: also known as brown asbestos. The fibres of amosite asbestos are spikey and have a good tensile strength, amosite asbestos was commonly used in construction between the 1920s and the late 60's, the use of amosite asbestos was banned in the UK in 1986.
- Crocidolite Asbestos: also known as blue asbestos, crocidolite asbestos fibres are like needles and are the strongest form of asbestos fibres, crocidolite asbestos has been widely used in the UK since the 1880's and was finally banned by the Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations in 1985.
If you are deemed to be the person responsible for the maintenance of commercial premises, you have a lawful duty of care under the control of asbestos regulations 2012 to put in place effective procedures that provide adequate protection to anyone visiting or working in the premises from the associated risks of asbestos containing materials.
If you are planning any refurbishment, demolition, or routine maintenance works that may disturb asbestos then by law you need to identify where it is and its type and condition; assess the risks, and manage and control these risks a vital step in this process is a full and thorough asbestos survey.
To enquire about any of the services provided by Armco Asbestos Surveys call us Today on 0121 296 7687.