Broadband Installation and Asbestos Surveys.

Over the past few weeks, we have received an increasing number of enquiries from homeowners, landlords and businesses asking if they now need an asbestos survey before having broadband installed. Many callers have been told by their broadband provider or engineer that an asbestos survey may be required, leading some people to believe that new legislation has recently been introduced.

Here are some of the key things you need to know.

Has the law changed?

The short answer is No.

There has not been any new legislation introduced requiring every property to have an asbestos survey before broadband installation.

What has changed is that many broadband providers and their contractors are taking a more cautious approach when carrying out installations, particularly where drilling, cable routing or access to older building materials is required.

Companies such as Openreach, BT, Virgin Media O2, CityFibre, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Gigaclear and other network providers all have duties to protect their employees and contractors from exposure to asbestos whilst carrying out their work.

Why are broadband companies asking for asbestos surveys?

Broadband engineers may need to:

• Drill through internal or external walls.
• Route cables through lofts or service risers.
• Install equipment inside utility cupboards.
• Work within communal areas of flats.
• Access soffits, ceiling voids or service ducts.

If the property was built before asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999, there is a possibility that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present.

Rather than risk disturbing asbestos, many providers now ask for confirmation that it is safe to proceed where there is any uncertainty.

This is about protecting both engineers and occupants. It is not because of a new asbestos law.

What do the regulations actually say?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) remain the primary legislation governing asbestos management in Great Britain.

Under these regulations:

• Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from asbestos exposure.
• Anyone carrying out work that could disturb asbestos should have suitable information about whether asbestos is present.
• Duty holders are responsible for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises and the communal areas of domestic buildings.

These regulations have been in place for many years. They have not recently changed to specifically target broadband installations.

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Does every home need an asbestos survey?

Not necessarily.

Whether a survey is required depends on several factors, including:

• The age of the property.
• Where the installation work will take place.
• Whether asbestos information already exists.
• The requirements of the broadband provider or contractor.

If your provider specifically requests an asbestos survey before installation, obtaining one can prevent delays and give engineers confidence that they can complete the work safely.

Where is asbestos commonly found?

In older properties, asbestos can commonly be found in materials such as:

• Textured coatings.
• Ceiling tiles.
• Soffits and fascias.
• Cement roof sheets.
• Floor tiles and adhesives.
• Pipe insulation.
• Insulating boards (AIB).
• Boxing around pipework.
• Service risers and ducts.

Asbestos is not generally dangerous if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. The risk arises when materials are drilled, cut, sanded or otherwise damaged, releasing fibres into the air.

How can Core Asbestos help?

At Core Asbestos Services, we carry out professional asbestos surveys across Edinburgh, Glasgow and throughout Scotland for domestic, commercial and industrial properties.

If your broadband provider has requested an asbestos survey before installation, we can help you identify whether asbestos-containing materials are present in the areas where work is planned.

Our experienced surveyors provide clear reports that help homeowners, landlords, businesses and contractors proceed safely and with confidence.

Need an asbestos survey before your broadband installation?

If you’ve been asked to provide an asbestos survey before broadband installation, don’t panic. It does not mean your property definitely contains asbestos, nor does it mean the law has recently changed.

It simply reflects the industry’s increased focus on protecting engineers and ensuring work is carried out safely in accordance with existing health and safety legislation.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange an asbestos survey, Core Asbestos Services is here to help. Our friendly team covers Edinburgh, Glasgow and the whole of Scotland, providing fast, professional advice and surveys to keep your project moving safely.