Asbestos

[Hedgehog]

So, I have done an Asbestos Awareness and Duty to Manage course but i'm still a little unclear on one thing.
We have had the asbestos management survey done but when I look at it I can't help notice that they don't sample wall plaster finishes. This begs the question that if I am drilling into walls then how do I know if I am releasing asbestos or not without an R&D survey?

[twiglets]

Not sure about walls, there used to be asbestos in the ceiling plaster (Artex I think?). If there was a need to check, they would have likely taken samples.

[Keyolder]

If push comes to shove and you really need to drill into your suspect wall, wear a good quality face mask for your own safety. I would also keep the drill site damp or even wet to avoid airborne contamination.

You could also refuse to drill on the grounds of personal safety and the possibility of disturbing asbestos within the wall.
Maybe request a sample is taken from the suspect wall on a future asbestos survey

[Gazza]

The short answer is that you cannot be sure.

You could possible go back to your inspection company and ask this question. It may be as simple as they have visually inspected it and are confident there are no acms present. but in truth this question is bests answered by your inspection contractor

[jholden]

Our policy is if it's somewhere or something that's not listed in the AMP, then we will get material samples carried out before doing anything else.

[adyjay]

Your Asbestos register will tell you if there is any, if walls are not mentioned then don't drill it, as you don't know.

Ask them to clarify the situation, better safe then be sorry later.

[Vera]

Check your Asbestos report carefully they will often check and test 1 sample area then assume that all other areas are the same. ie all plaster is "Presumed ACM" or "Presumed to be not containing ACM's"

[EBJ]

Asbestos does not always be shown on your Asbestos register and that is why your contractors read the Asbestos register to unders stand where it has been located and if they do come across any they are to stop work and report it, but you do not know if it is present in plaster so cation is required on your part and how you go about drilling walls, i know when they took down ceiling tiles nailed or screwed into timber joists they als had to suck out any asbestos left within the hole left when the screw/nail was removed.

[Raggedy Man]

As others have said unless you have samples done you can't be 100% sure which means if your not 100% sure don't drill.