Before the 1980s, asbestos was used in the construction of buildings, especially historic buildings, where it was used for insulation and fireproofing.

Many of these buildings still exist, and their age poses special challenges when it comes to managing asbestos safely. Property owners need to understand the risks of asbestos exposure and the precautions that need to be taken to keep the public safe and the heritage intact.

Managing asbestos in historic buildings requires a gentle approach to avoid disturbing the material and releasing harmful fibres into the air.

This blog will look at the steps to identify, manage, and remove asbestos from these beloved buildings, as well as the legal obligations and best practices for owners.

Checking for Asbestos

The first step in managing asbestos in historic buildings is to check if it’s there. This involves a thorough inspection, usually done by trained professionals familiar with older building materials and construction methods.

Various sampling techniques may be used to determine if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. Property owners should not inspect or test for asbestos themselves, as this can lead to accidental exposure and contamination.

Asbestos surveys typically include visual inspection, bulk sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos.

These assessments will identify the location and condition of ACMs so owners can make informed decisions on what to do next. It’s recommended to schedule regular inspections especially if the building is undergoing renovation or restoration work to catch any hidden asbestos and manage it properly.

Legal Obligations for Historic Property Owners

In the UK, property owners are legally required to manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

This means any building owner or occupier must know if asbestos is present on their premises and take steps to protect anyone who may come into contact with it. Failure to comply can result in big fines and even criminal charges in extreme cases.

Historic building owners must ensure they have an up-to-date asbestos management plan, which includes the findings of any surveys, the condition of the ACMs and the actions taken to mitigate the risks.

Regular training and information sessions should be provided to all employees and contractors working on the property to remind them of the importance of following safe practices and the legal requirements for asbestos management.

Safe Removal in Historic Buildings

When removing asbestos from historic buildings, strict safety protocols must be followed to minimize risks. Only licensed contractors should be used for this job as they are trained in safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

The removal process must be planned meticulously to ensure asbestos fibres are not released into the environment which could harm workers and the public.

The process involves sealing off the work area, using the right PPE and using specialized tools to remove and dispose of ACMs.

Care must be taken to preserve the building’s heritage, often requiring creative solutions to keep the architectural features intact while keeping them safe.

Post-removal air monitoring is also critical to ensure the area is asbestos-free before reoccupation.

Challenges and Solutions to Heritage Integrity

Managing asbestos in historic buildings is tricky especially when balancing safety with heritage. Often these buildings have significant historical and cultural value so removing original materials is a sensitive issue.

Property owners must navigate the complexities of maintaining the building’s integrity while complying with health and safety regulations.

To address these challenges, property owners can engage with heritage conservation experts to develop a bespoke approach that respects the building’s heritage. This may involve encapsulating asbestos rather than removing it where possible to prevent exposure while preserving the original materials.

Good communication with stakeholders including local heritage organisations and the community can also help build understanding and support for asbestos management actions.

Summary

Managing asbestos in historic buildings is a big responsibility for property owners, you need to know the regulations, assessment procedures and removal methods.

By being proactive and getting professional help, you can protect people and the building. Informed and responsible asbestos management means historic buildings can be preserved for the future and public health.

Published Oct 21, 2024