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Asbestos!
A word which invokes all kinds of horrors...
By virtue of a new law which came into force earlier this year, most
properties are now subject to compulsory asbestos checks.
Many properties that escaped earlier controls are now revealed to
contain asbestos in the construction materials. What does this mean for
the purchaser? Some guidance is provided below:
- Checks on a property subject to the
regulations should according to the law be made before the signing of the
compromis or first contract. However,
this is only happening in very few cases.
- If the checks have not been made, the
terms of the compromis will largely govern what will occur if asbestos is
revealed. A purchaser should ensure
that he or she is protected under the compromis as far as is possible.
- There is no general obligation to remove
asbestos products or materials. However,
some types of materials pose a particular threat to health and should be
removed by a specialist company. This
is especially the case where the asbestos fibres can pollute the air, for
example when used in insulating material. What is to occur will depend on
what is revealed and where.
- Much of the construction material
containing asbestos is on roofs in the form of asbestos cement or roofing
sheets (especially on outbuildings). It
does not necessarily require the intervention of a specialist company for
removal but must be taken to a dump able to receive such products.
Many farm buildings contain such products as the roofing sheets are
popular with farmers to keep the animals dry.
29/11/2002
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