Case Study: The Need for an Asbestos Survey, Salisbury Wiltshire

This project was another clear example of why it is so important that the homeowner/landlord chooses the correct contractors to carry out works and an asbestos survey is carried out.

We received an enquiry asking us to come and test some suspect roof tiles in Salisbury. When our lead surveyor arrived on site he could clearly see that these were asbestos roof tiles and they had not been removed correctly. As you can see in the photo, they were all broken and not bagged up correctly.

Our asbestos surveyor asked the property owner if he could look in the loft, and to no surprise to the surveyor, more asbestos debris was found in the loft space. Further investigation of the surroundings of the building uncovered more asbestos tile debris on the scaffolding, in the guttering and on the drive way.

We had to let the property owner know that their loft was contaminated with asbestos tile debris and it would need an environmental clean. All this could have been avoided if they had carried out an Asbestos Survey before instructing a roofing contractor.

It is not just their fault though – the roofing contractor should have also asked for an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey before commencing with his works. Not only was he exposed to asbestos fibers but so was the property owner and their family.

If you have any queries about asbestos please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.