Asbestos survey

JenRM31

Hoping you wise people can help me!

my elderly relative is due to have a new boiler and radiators fitted in her council house. Before this is carried out they have told her an asbestos survey must be carried out. She received a letter last week that I’ve only just found out about which states they will attend the property tomorrow morning to carry out the survey, during which they will be drilling in various areas of the property, and will be there for around 3 hours. The letter is very vague and does not go into any details on what will be happening. 

My question is are they actually supposed to be drilling for samples if the property is not vacant? Is it safe for my relative to be home while this is happening? 

She is understandably anxious and worried that they will be drilling and leaving holes in various places. I have been trying to call the company all weekend to no avail. 

FreeBear

They will not be turning up tomorrow (Monday) as it is a Bank Holiday.

If they are drilling holes, they should be taking measures to keep dust to a minimum..

JenRM31

FreeBear said:

They will not be turning up tomorrow (Monday) as it is a Bank Holiday.

If they are drilling holes, they should be taking measures to keep dust to a minimum..

We are in Scotland so unfortunately no bank holiday for us! 

Well yes I would like to think so, my understanding of asbestos though was that it only becomes dangerous once disturbed, which drilling will obviously do, so I’d have thought that she couldn’t be in attendance while this was happening but the letter does not state anything. 

Section62

JenRM31 said:

Well yes I would like to think so, my understanding of asbestos though was that it only becomes dangerous once disturbed, which drilling will obviously do, so I’d have thought that she couldn’t be in attendance while this was happening but the letter does not state anything. 

If the workers aren't following the rules and good practice when sampling then they are the ones most at risk, being closer to the point dust is being created and doing it day in day out.  It would be very unusual for a council to employ contractors without the correct licencing and training. And the workers would be complete idiots if they are taking any risks.

Here's the HSE guidance (for owners/occupiers) on the process.  (vacated means not being in the room, rather than moving out of the house/flat completely)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/managing/survey-refurb.htm

And the wider guidance is here -
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm


If you relative sees them working in a way which doesn't comply with the guidance then she should say something immediately, and contact the council if they don't stop what she thinks they are doing wrong.

travis-powers

I used to work in social housing these guys are very professional they may take small samples away to test, they is no risk to your relative any holes that they drill will be quite small!

JenRM31

Thanks everyone for your replies, just spoke to her, they came first thing this morning and just advised her to stay out of the room that they were working in, said they were very friendly and professional. All that worrying for nothing! 

travis-powers

JenRM31 said:

Thanks everyone for your replies, just spoke to her, they came first thing this morning and just advised her to stay out of the room that they were working in, said they were very friendly and professional. All that worrying for nothing! 

It’s normal to worry, and this site is very helpful!