Do I have to get an Asbestos report?

[Markbon]

Hello. I've just noticed a line in a structural engineers report stating an asbestos report would be needed due to the age of the house. I dont see why as theres nothing there that can be asbestos. Not even Artex. Anyone know if building control will insist on this because of the engineers comments?
Cheers

 

[^woody^]

That's random!

 

[KenGMac]

Such so called "Asbestos Reports" are a must in Commercial buildings, I have never ever heard of such a report being required for a domestic residence.

Was it you who appointed the Engineer or is it a property either for sale or similar.

Sounds as if the "Engineer" was / is protecting his professional Indemnity insurance??

Ken

 

[Nakajo]

That's weird, I have never (well, not since 2012) undertaken a domestic refurbishment without an asbestos (r&d) survey (except where the property was obviously asbestos free)

 

[KenGMac]

All dependent on age of property, O/P stated no Artex?

Why is a S/Engineer asking for an R&D if there are no obvious indications? Artex / Thermo-plastic Tiles / ?? the O/P noted that it was an asbestos report which implies he has seen something? also if the S/E has probably commented on a very specific [small] area of the property why undertake a full R&D

Yes, I instruct a full R&D but only where there is a major, say serious fire, damage to a property?

 

[Nakajo]

Why is a S/Engineer asking for an R&D if there are no obvious indications?

Because it's the law (on the assumption that the works include the refurbishment and/or demolition of a part or whole of the property)

See CAR2012 and CDM2015

 

[Markbon]

I've lifted the upstairs floorboards to see what the ceilings are made of. Half of them have British Gypsum Gyproc printed on them the others have silverbacked foil. Unless asbestos came with silverback I cant think of anything in the house suspicious.

Anyone know if I can ignore this part of the S/E report? Apart from the expense it's going to be ridiculous watching a survey where he's looking at nothing but masonry, timber and plaster. Or if not any idea how much a report costs?

 

[^woody^]

What is the purpose of this random report you have had done?

 

[KenGMac]

not any idea how much a report costs?

Last one I asked for, on a fire burn out of the top floor of a property, 5/6 rooms damaged, smoke damage, heat damage + Fireman damage. was £ 450 as I recall, fortunately this cost is not imposed on all work being undertaken in a property.

OK if the work required is extensive, or areas are not visually easy to assess for Asbestos, then yes a R&D mat be needed ,depending on age?? in domestic settings

 

[Nakajo]

That sounds like a bargain compared with what I'm usually quoted. But fireman damage sounds concerning.

 

[Markbon]

What is the purpose of this random report you have had done?

Its for an extension and a wall down and making a couple of windows larger.

 

[^woody^]

The writer is just covering his arrse and advising you that the CDM 2015 Regulations apply to all building work and this means that a targeted asbestos survey may be required to carried out if the property is of an age where asbestos is known or likely to have been used (pre 2000 build).

In many cases for work such as this, as long as the workers are asbestos aware (trained) then they could potentially carry on and be mindful of what they may discover, and how to deal with it.

The main thing is, its all about "managing" asbestos and having a plan, and that does not always mean having a specific survey. So for instance the workers could assess the job first and if say they see something like suspect soffits or whatever, then they deal with that appropriately and not just bash them down and throw the pieces in the skip. If its a big complex job, then things may be different and surveys required.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Probably just left in by accident from all the cutting and pasting.

 

[Markbon]

That sounds more realistic.
I'm wondering now if theres a chance the soffits could be asbestos with a thin upvc cover. The previous owners didnt like spending money.

 

[noseall]

Anyone know if building control will insist on this

Lol, no.

Never seen one, never requested one never been asked about one EVER. Ignore it.