As autumn sets in, commercial buildings often enter a busier period for maintenance, repairs and planned refurbishment works. Heating systems are checked, roofs are inspected, pipework is accessed and facilities teams begin preparing properties for the colder months ahead.

For buildings constructed before 2000, this increase in maintenance activity can also raise the risk of asbestos-containing materials being disturbed.

Asbestos remains present in many commercial, industrial and public-sector buildings across the UK. While asbestos materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed may present a relatively low risk, problems can arise when maintenance or refurbishment work begins without the correct information or surveys in place.

Why can autumn increase asbestos risks?

During autumn, property owners and facilities teams may carry out work including:

• Heating and boiler maintenance
• Pipework and insulation repairs
• Roof and ceiling inspections
• Electrical upgrades
• Refurbishment of older areas
• Repairs following heavy rain or high winds

Materials containing asbestos can sometimes be found around pipework, boilers, ceiling voids, insulation boards, roofing products and other areas that contractors may need to access.

This makes early planning essential.

Before intrusive maintenance or refurbishment work begins, those responsible for a commercial property should understand whether asbestos-containing materials could be present and ensure the correct asbestos information is available to everyone carrying out the work.

Paul Lillis, Managing Director of Shield Services Group, said:

“Autumn is often when businesses begin carrying out the maintenance and improvement works needed ahead of winter. Asbestos needs to be considered at the planning stage, so potential risks are identified before contractors begin opening up or disturbing parts of the building.”

Plan ahead for autumn maintenance

Effective asbestos management is not simply about reacting when a suspect material is discovered.

Commercial property owners and dutyholders should maintain up-to-date asbestos information, clearly communicate known risks and arrange appropriate surveys where refurbishment or intrusive maintenance work is planned.

Shield Services Group provides specialist asbestos surveying, management and removal services to organisations across the UK, helping businesses manage asbestos risks safely and compliantly throughout the year.

With autumn maintenance programmes getting underway, now is the ideal time to ensure asbestos management is part of your wider building and facilities strategy.