FROM HERO TO ZERO: ACCREDITING ASBESTOS TESTING

Whilst asbestos may sound like a 20th Century problem, its effects are still being felt today, as Rob Bettinson, Development Manager at the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) illustrates. “Many years ago, asbestos was considered to be the latest wonder material for its high resistance to heat and other chemicals. Consequently it was added to thousands of different products, ranging from wall panels and tiles to lagging and painting materials. It was only several years later that its adverse effects were first identified, and it took until 1999 to finally ban it from being used in building materials. This means that any building constructed prior to that ban could contain asbestos somewhere in it.” Despite being a hazardous substance, the presence of asbestos in a building isn’t necessarily a problem, as Bettinson goes on to explain. “Provided the asbestos is identified, monitored, maintained and removed where necessary, the potential risks can be properly managed.” The regulations governing asbestos in buildings stipulate that anyone who is in control of the maintenance of an industrial facility has a duty to manage asbestos. A necessary part of that process involves having a survey carried out, and the materials tested and analysed.