Question 1

Asbestos

Accepted Answer

Q: We have been in touch with a flooring company as we need to replace the present floor tiles in the communal areas. The company have said that they will visit to give an estimate but that they would not be able to undertake any work without an asbestos survey report. I have written to the agents for the landlord to see if they have any record of the materials used in the construction of our blocks of flats – built around 1960. I think it doubtful that they will have this information, but whatever the response, I think we will still need an up-to-date report. Can you tell me what the process will be? And do you have a list of recommended/qualified professionals that we could approach to carry out such an inspection? One other point: what is a reasonable fee to charge for filling in the answers to multiple questions from a solicitor acting for a new purchaser of a flat? We have provided this information free in the past but I was told at your AGM that it is normal to charge! FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: Thank you for your question about Asbestos which has been passed to me as I deal with these matters for the FPRA. The flooring contractor is quite correct not to carry out any work until they have had a sight of the Asbestos Management Plan which is a legal requirement for your Company and something than should not be ignored. The fact your Block was built in the 1960s would indicate that it is likely that your Block does contain Asbestos in the common areas such as flooring, fire doors and alike. As an independent organisation, and in order to protect our impartiality, I am unable to recommend a specific contractor but recommend that you use a specialist contractor with experience in producing asbestos management plans for common areas of blocks of flats. Your local trading standards department from the council will usually hold a list of approved contractors which is always a good starting point. [Submitted January 2017]

Question 2

Asbestos

Accepted Answer

Q: We have been in touch with a flooring company as we need to replace the present floor tiles in the communal areas. The company have said that they will visit to give an estimate but that they would not be able to undertake any work without an asbestos survey report. I have written to the agents for the landlord to see if they have any record of the materials used in the construction of our blocks of flats – built around 1960. I think it doubtful that they will have this information, but whatever the response, I think we will still need an up-to-date report. Can you tell me what the process will be? And do you have a list of recommended/qualified professionals that we could approach to carry out such an inspection? One other point: what is a reasonable fee to charge for filling in the answers to multiple questions from a solicitor acting for a new purchaser of a flat? We have provided this information free in the past but I was told at your AGM that it is normal to charge! FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: Thank you for your question about Asbestos which has been passed to me as I deal with these matters for the FPRA. The flooring contractor is quite correct not to carry out any work until they have had a sight of the Asbestos Management Plan which is a legal requirement for your Company and something than should not be ignored. The fact your Block was built in the 1960s would indicate that it is likely that your Block does contain Asbestos in the common areas such as flooring, fire doors and alike. As an independent organisation, and in order to protect our impartiality, I am unable to recommend a specific contractor but recommend that you use a specialist contractor with experience in producing asbestos management plans for common areas of blocks of flats. Your local trading standards department from the council will usually hold a list of approved contractors which is always a good starting point. [Submitted January 2017]

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