Asbestos can be present in any residential, commercial or industrial property built or refurbished before 2000. In Bristol, this includes older homes, offices, factories, warehouses and public buildings.

When asbestos-containing materials remain undamaged and undisturbed, they generally present a low risk. However, drilling, sanding, cutting or breaking these materials can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

Where might asbestos be found?

Common locations include:

• Roofing sheets and cement products
• Pipe and boiler insulation
• Textured wall and ceiling coatings
• Floor tiles and adhesives
• Insulating boards
• Ceiling voids and partition walls
• Soffits, gutters and external panels

It is extremely difficult to identify asbestos through appearance alone. Before beginning refurbishment, demolition or major maintenance work, property owners should arrange the appropriate asbestos survey.

A management survey helps identify and manage asbestos during the building’s normal use. A more intrusive refurbishment or demolition survey may be needed before work affects the building fabric.

Luke House, Chairman of Shield Services Group:

“Bristol has a diverse range of older residential, commercial and industrial properties. Identifying asbestos before work begins helps protect occupants, contractors and the wider community while preventing avoidable disruption to the project.”

Commercial property owners and those responsible for maintenance may also have a legal duty to identify asbestos, keep an up-to-date register and prepare an asbestos management plan.

If suspected asbestos is discovered, do not touch or attempt to remove it. Stop work, restrict access to the area and seek advice from a competent asbestos specialist. Higher-risk asbestos work must be completed by an HSE-licensed contractor.

Shield Services Group provides professional asbestos surveys, management and asbestos removal services in Bristol and the surrounding region.