The Importance of an Asbestos Survey in Wickford
Asbestos Survey in Wickford, with its blend of post-war housing, commercial units, and ongoing redevelopment projects, is a town where the risk of encountering asbestos in buildings remains a serious concern. If you’re a property owner, landlord, developer, or contractor operating in Wickford, understanding the importance of an asbestos survey is not only a matter of legal compliance—it’s vital for health and safety.
Why Asbestos Still Matters
Although the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it was widely used in construction for decades before that due to its strength, durability, and fire-resistant properties. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are often hidden in insulation, floor tiles, textured coatings, roofing sheets, pipe lagging, and ceiling panels.
When disturbed—such as during renovations, repairs, or demolition—these materials can release microscopic fibres into the air. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These conditions may take years to develop but are often fatal.
Wickford’s Building Stock and Risk
Much of Wickford’s housing stock and commercial infrastructure was built during the post-war period up through the 1980s, a time when asbestos was commonly used. From family homes in Shotgate to retail units and industrial spaces near the town centre or along the A127 corridor, many buildings may still contain hidden ACMs.
With an increasing number of renovation and development projects taking place in Wickford, the likelihood of disturbing asbestos without proper precautions is high. This is why an asbestos survey is essential before any refurbishment or demolition work.
Legal Responsibilities
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty to manage asbestos lies with the person responsible for maintaining non-domestic premises—including commercial buildings, shared parts of residential properties, and rental units. This duty includes identifying the presence of asbestos, assessing the risk, and taking appropriate action.
Failing to comply can result in hefty fines, project delays, or serious health consequences. Even private homeowners planning extensive works are advised to arrange a survey to protect both themselves and any tradespeople on-site.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
Management Survey: This is required for the day-to-day occupation and use of a building. It helps locate any ACMs that may be disturbed through normal activities or maintenance.
Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: This more invasive survey is required before any building work that could disturb the fabric of the building.
Both should be carried out by accredited professionals to ensure accurate identification and risk assessment.
Conclusion
In a growing town like Wickford, where modernisation often involves working with older properties, the importance of an asbestos survey cannot be overstated. Whether you’re upgrading a family home, renovating a shop, or redeveloping a commercial unit, identifying and managing asbestos early saves time, money, and lives.
Don’t take risks with asbestos. Book a professional survey and make sure your Wickford property is safe, legal, and ready for the future.
How do I know if I need an asbestos survey?
Was your property or building constructed prior to the ban of asbestos in the 1990s? If so, the chances are that asbestos will have been used as part of the insulation for the building, both around pipework and embedded in the walls. An asbestos survey is not just for those who know they have problematic substances present in their building – it is also a way of checking for the presence of asbestos and ascertaining how stable the fibres are. Here’s how our surveys in Cambridgeshire work.