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Under some circumstances, asbestos testing is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 Act.

When planning to demolish or refurbish a property built before 2000, be aware that these properties may contain asbestos.

During the renovation, you can disturb the highly hazardous asbestos. By arranging for asbestos testing, you will comply with health and safety laws.

Property owners or employers are responsible for protecting people from asbestos exposure in commercial and public buildings.

If there is a reasonable suspicion of asbestos presence, arrange for asbestos testing in Downpatrick as soon as possible.

With something as serious as asbestos testing, ensure you find trustworthy asbestos surveyors.

We’ve got four easy steps to find asbestos testing in Downpatrick.

Use Checkatrade

Professional directories like Checkatrade make it quick and easy to find trusted and experienced asbestos testing in Downpatrick.

Enter a few basic details to get a list of asbestos testing professionals local to you.

We vet and approve all our members, so you know you're hiring a qualified professional through Checkatrade.

Ready to get started? Find asbestos testing in Downpatrick today.

Ask for recommendations

One of the best ways to find good tradespeople is to ask friends and family for recommendations.

If your nearest and dearest are happy with a professional's service, they will likely recommend them. Which, of course, can give you peace of mind.

Ask other tradespeople

One of the best ways to find good tradespeople is to ask other good tradespeople.

Usually, reliable professionals will only refer other reliable professionals.

If you're about to begin a more extensive renovation of a property built before 2000, ask your tradespeople if they can recommend asbestos testing in Downpatrick.

Check online reviews

It's always a good idea to see what other people think of a tradesperson.

Look for online reviews to see what others say about an asbestos surveyor’s service and professionalism.

Remember to cross-check your reviews on Checkatrade.

Asbestos testers must hold recognised certifications to conduct asbestos surveys and risk assessments, while meeting all safety standards.

Some of these qualifications include;

• BOHS P402 is essential for asbestos surveying and sampling

• BOHS P403/P404 covers asbestos fibre counting and clearance testing for air monitoring after asbestos removal

  You can also look for asbestos testing professionals who work for a UKAS-accredited organisation to ensure they meet national standards.

For properties built before 2000, you need an asbestos survey before renovating or demolishing.

There are two types of surveys available;

• Refurbishment surveys are conducted on renovated areas to find, manage or remove asbestos

• Before tearing down a building, a demolition survey should be undertaken to identify the asbestos and ensure its safe disposal

If you do not find the asbestos-containing materials before the work begins, you can disturb the asbestos and release hazardous fibres. This is dangerous and can lead to fines or legal repercussions.

Need more asbestos advice? Read our homeowner’s guide to asbestos.

You should not test for asbestos yourself.

Proper asbestos testing requires lab analysis, specific equipment and training to identify and assess asbestos accurately. Without it, asbestos testing can lead to accidental exposure.

For example, improper handling can disturb asbestos fibres, increasing exposure and health risks.

Only qualified professionals can conduct surveys on workplaces or large renovations by law.

Professionals are trained to assess asbestos safely. They take accurate samples and can interpret the results to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid unnecessary risks.

An asbestos survey for a standard-sized domestic property might take two to four hours. A survey of a large residential or commercial property can take a full day or longer.

When planning the inspection, ask the surveyor how long the asbestos survey will take to plan around your renovation.

Once your asbestos survey is complete, the surveyor will discuss their significant findings and provide you with a detailed report.

An asbestos testing report typically includes;

• The location, type, and condition of any asbestos found

• Recommendations include encapsulating, sealing, or removing the asbestos

• An asbestos register required for non-domestic properties to track identified materials

Your report will confirm that the property is safe for renovations or continued use if no asbestos is found.

The surveyor details any necessary removal or management of the asbestos, depending on the condition and risk level.

The surveyor assesses its condition and determines the necessary steps to fix it.

In cases of undamaged asbestos, an asbestos surveyor will seal or encapsulate the asbestos to prevent fibre release. For damaged asbestos, eliminate any risk by arranging for a licensed asbestos contractor to remove the asbestos.

Either way, the asbestos survey will guide you on the safest next steps.

The most important thing to remember is to leave the asbestos alone until you get professional help.

Asbestos exposure is hazardous. If disturbed, inhaling asbestos-containing fibres can cause severe health problems, including:

• Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen

• Lung cancer is linked to prolonged asbestos exposure

• Asbestosis involves scarring of the lung tissue and chronic breathing issues

• Pleural thickening is a condition that restricts lung function

  Asbestos is considered safe when undisturbed but becomes hazardous if fibres are released into the air. It's vital to find what's hiding in the walls and ceilings.

  The risks of asbestos increase if you are exposed repeatedly or for prolonged periods.

Want to know more about asbestos testing in Downpatrick?

Sometimes, it helps to chat with local asbestos surveyors to understand what services are available in your area and how much they’ll cost.

If you’re ready to contact asbestos testers in Downpatrick, you’re in the right place.

We can help you find the best tradespeople in your area with our quick and easy online search. Or, request a quote, and we’ll get multiple asbestos testers to contact you directly.