Frequently Asked Questions
Unsure where to start? Have a look below...
What is asbestos?
We are a team of skilled, experienced asbestos consultants who possess decades of experience in the industry. We're the ones who answer your calls and emails, go to site, puts together the reports and give you the expert advise you need. Given we've seen the issues with our own eyes, we know the options on how best to deal with asbestos containing materials on site. You won't be passed from person to person like bigger consultancies.
If you mean "why Monitor" as a name - it's because we believe that materials that are in good condition and not being disturbed should be monitored, and not removed. We also know that legally these materials need to be monitored regularly - Contact us for a quote to reinspect any materials. Monitor also gives us our mascot and logo - Lizzy the Monitor Lizard!
Why Monitor?
What are your turnaround times?
Do I need a survey?
Where is asbestos found?
Can I sample materials myself?
ASBESTOS
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, that is mined out of the ground in seams in the same way coal is. It has some amazing properties which make it very useful in firebreaks, heat insulation & electrical insulation. Unfortunately it also has physical properties that means it can't be broken down by the body, leading the body to scar itself and forming cancers. It can be a horrible, dangerous substance if not managed in the correct way - that's why we're here.
Due to its properties, it is a great substance for fire protection and heat insulation, but due it becoming fashionable, it started to be added to some other random products. Have a look at the diagrams here to see some of the places it can be found - but we've seen it in a lot more places than even these diagrams show. Contact us and use our expertise in finding where the risks lie for your property.
If you control a property that isn't domestic - If it was built before the year 2000, then the answer is yes. You have a legal duty to manage the risks posed by asbestos, and that starts with knowing where the accessible asbestos is by having a management survey undertaken. If you have a document that was undertaken before 2012 and is called a "Type II" survey, then it is no longer fit for purpose - the regulations have since changed, and having that survey no longer covers you.
If you control domestic properties - There is still a legal duty to survey any communal areas, such as stairs or communal kitchens. If you're unsure if this applies, just ask. There is also a requirement to have a refurbishment survey undertaken before any works are carried out.
If you're a homeowner - There is no legal requirement to have a survey done, but they are often wanted before a house purchase, before works are carried out, or just to find out what is present in your house which may affect your family. We can help with any of these, and you'll get free advice on how best to protect your loved ones.
It depend on the size of the survey, and how many samples are likely to be taken. Our standard turnaround is within 5-working days after the survey has been completed, but we have the ability to turn around a survey much quicker - from next-day for a survey where samples are taken, and even the same-day where samples aren't required. We'll be open and honest with you from the start if this is likely to change.
There are plenty of companies who will happily take your money for you to sample materials and analyse them. We'd ask you to compare the prices they give for you to put the effort in and risk your own health for this, and compare it to our price for us to come to your site, sample it in a safe manner, and provide you with the certificate... but also make use of having an expert look around the rest of the area to see what possible asbestos containing materials might be present.
Any other questions?
Just ask! We know that it can be complicated, and putting all the information here might end up bamboozle people - but if you have a specific query, then we will do our best to help you out.
HEALTH & SAFETY
What do I need to do as an employer?
As an employer, you must put undertake a risk assessment of hazards and create a Health & Safety Policy. We can help with these fundamental parts of complying with the Health & Safety at Work Act, and all the Regulations in place underneath this act.
Why use Monitor?
We'll go through a checklist to help identify hazards that your works create or have to work around. Some of these you'll be aware of, and some are probably things that have never crossed your mind. All will be things that you need to put processes in place so as to control the risks to a manageable level.
Our role as an external health and safety consultant is to provide the framework and support so that you can manage health and safety internally. Health and Safety doesn’t have to be complicated, you know your own workplace and the risks associated with your business. You can achieve compliance with our help and support.
Do I need to employ an H&S consultant?
All organisations must have someone in place who is competent to help them meet their health and safety responsibilities. This "competent person" could be you, a member of your staff or an external H&S consultant - such as Monitor. If choosing someone within your organisation, it’s not always essential for them to have formal qualifications and they’re not required by law have this as long as they have the necessary help and support in achieving compliance. The authorities are not looking to cripple companies - but they do look for adequate and appropriate resources to be put in place. Not doing so will leave you liable to fines, improvement notices and possible legal action.
I'm self-employed / a small business - do I still need to do this?
The short answer is yes - although if you employ less than five people, you don't officially have to document the risk assessment or the methods in place for controlling the risks, you do still need to have done a risk assessment. Not documenting it simply opens you up to people taking legal action against you and your company.
Contact Us
Get in touch with our expert consultants to discuss your needs and ensure a safe environment. Email, phone or use the form.
Phone (charged at local rate):
Email:
03330 113383