"Increasingly demanding liabilities for building occupiers may be just around the corner, making pre-acquisition building surveys even more critical in ‘knowing your building’ when buying or leasing," says Mike Chapman (pictured) of GVA Grimley, the international property advisers.

Changes to the legislation controlling asbestos-based materials and premises are currently being considered, which could have significant cost and change management consequences for building owners or managers. The Health and Safety Commission is considering the next step in tightening up procedures where employees work, to protect them from possible harm and reduce still further the likelihood of their exposure to harmful fibres.

"Under the proposed legislation, every employer will have to make an assessment as to whether asbestos is, or is liable to be present in the workplace," continues Chapman. "This would include any part of the workplace where asbestos might have been used – and would take into account the age of premises and any other information and documentation or drawings available."

A risk assessment methodology would be used to assess the level of risk based upon factors such as the type of asbestos, the matrix (spray, insulation, cement etc), the condition and accessibility (likelihood of damage) and the pros/cons of removal.

Where the assessment shows any positive risks of asbestos, a management plan will need to be drawn up and implemented, setting out the locations and also the actions to manage the risks. This would include for example, assessing the condition of the asbestos or suspected asbestos, maintaining it properly (to ensure no fibre release) or safely removing it, and also making sure that information about its location and condition is provided to anyone likely to disturb it.

Anna Lagerkvist