Asbestos Survey Services for
Safe Loft Boarding
At Instaloft, your safety is our priority. Our commitment to ensuring the well-being of both homeowners and our installation teams is unwavering. That’s why we go above and beyond by carrying out a comprehensive asbestos-targeted refurbishment survey which is a critical step when it comes to enhancing your loft space through loft boarding.
The Loft Boarding Industry's Evolution
In 2015, loft boarding wasn’t even a recognized industry. Thanks to our continuous efforts to raise awareness about the benefits it offers, the sector has grown rapidly. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledges this growth and is now working on regulations to safeguard homeowners and installers from exposure to asbestos.
Why is an Asbestos Survey Important Before Undertaking Loft Boarding?
Asbestos was commonly used in construction before 1999, when the government prohibited its use. Homes built prior to 1999 are likely to contain asbestos materials, posing potential risks to your health. Here’s a brief timeline to understand its history:
Asbestos products were first introduced in buildings.
The first report of lung disease as a result of asbestos was brought to the attention of the UK government.
This was a significant year in the history of asbestos disease, with the publication of the Merewether and Price Report on the Effects of Asbestos Dust on the Lungs and Dust Suppression in the Asbestos Industry.
Saw the start of a voluntary ban on UK imports of blue asbestos (crocidolite).
Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations: banned the import into the UK of blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos. The use of these types of asbestos was now also prohibited. A landmark piece of legislation.
Saw another landmark moment in the history of asbestos in the UK when the final comprehensive ban on asbestos saw white asbestos (chrysotile) been banned from use in, and import into the UK
The Need for Asbestos Regulation in the Loft-Boarding Industry
Here at Instaloft, the loft asbestos survey is an essential part of our installation process. However unlike industries such as gas, electricity, water, and the window trade, there is no loft-boarding governing body. This makes homeowners vulnerable to rogue traders. To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to choose a company that is asbestos-regulated.
Legal Requirements and the ACOP:
While an asbestos survey isn’t legally required for domestic properties, the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) recommends it. However, businesses have legal obligations to protect both their staff and homeowners. Instaloft is at the forefront of changing the industry to ensure these legal requirements are met, and we’ve been collaborating with the HSE for approximately 18 months to do so.
The HSE's Push for Industry Compliance:
Members of the HSE are actively working to secure funding and permissions to review the entire industry, ensuring that companies adhere to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure:
Asbestos exposure can have severe health effects, including lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), and mesothelioma.
Choosing a Reputable Company:
The key message is clear: homeowners must choose a reputable company that is asbestos-trained. “One-man band” loft boarding surveyors who don’t conduct asbestos surveys put those living in the home at risk.
Instaloft Leading the Way
Instaloft, when approached by the HSE, already had an ACOP. However, they advised us to do more, and the practices we’ve implemented are now setting a benchmark for the loft boarding industry.
Instaloft's Approach to Asbestos Safety
At Instaloft, our approach to asbestos safety is straightforward yet rigorous. We put your health and well-being first. When we survey a house for loft boarding and find that it was built in 1999 or earlier, we take the extra step to ensure your safety. We will arrange for one of our highly trained asbestos surveyors to carry out a comprehensive, targeted refurbishment survey in the areas that we plan to carry out work. This meticulous process ensures that any potential asbestos risks are identified and addressed, giving you peace of mind as we transform your loft into a functional and safe space through our raised loft board solution. Our commitment to safety sets us apart and underscores our dedication to providing you with the best possible loft boarding service.
What Happens if Asbestos is Found?
We provide all customers with properties built before 2000 with a detailed asbestos-targeted refurbishment survey report which includes:
- Any asbestos that has been identified that could be disturbed during the refurbishment work.
- The type of asbestos identified.
- The extent of the asbestos.
- A plan of the property showing the location of the asbestos.
- And finally, a recommendation of what remedial work is needed.
This essential information enables our trained non-licensed asbestos removal installers to work safely and efficiently, ensuring your loft boarding project proceeds without risk. Where any licensed asbestos material has been identified, we follow this up by helping you to find a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor (LARC) who will be able to carry out the necessary remedial work to make the area safe for the loft refurbishment to proceed.
We take your safety seriously and our asbestos-targeted refurbishment surveys are a testament to our dedication to providing a safe and compliant loft boarding service. Trust in a company that prioritises your health and safety every step of the way.
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Book a Quotation today!
Browse our different raised loft boarding options, or give our team a call to discuss your needs in detail and we’ll help to build a package perfect for your loft. We’re happy to help!
The key message is clear: homeowners must choose a reputable company that is asbestos-trained. “One-man band” loft boarding surveyors who don’t conduct asbestos surveys put those living in the home at risk.