Asbestos at the heart of DIY, a real danger for private individuals

A recent Australian study, highlighted by the website Quotidiag, confirms what property diagnostics professionals have been dreading for several years: the increase in exposure to asbestos during “homemade” renovation works.

According to the report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than half of non-occupational exposures to asbestos are linked to renovations carried out at home, by private individuals.

The Australian data are quite clear. Among the cases of people exposed non-occupationally to asbestos and affected by a serious respiratory illness, the context reported by the patients was:

• For more than half (51%), carrying out major renovations themselves involving asbestos-containing products.

In France too, many owners embark on works without realising the risks they are taking. RITMODiag supports you in carrying out your projects, but above all wishes to raise awareness among as many people as possible!

Asbestos present in older houses and flats: an invisible danger

Asbestos, as we mentioned in our article on solutions in the face of the presence of asbestos, is a mineral fibre that was very widely used in French construction from the 1950s until it was banned in 1997.

It was a prized material for its sound and thermal insulation qualities, its fire-resistant properties and its increased durability. In addition, asbestos was inexpensive, which explains why it is found in many buildings, houses and flats whose construction dates from that era.

But where is asbestos found within our houses and flats?

This is where the real danger lies: asbestos lurks and hides everywhere! Roofing, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, ventilation ducts, pipework, adhesives, renders, seals or even wall coverings… This fibre can be omnipresent but, above all, undetectable to the naked eye!

The main risks of asbestos are the microscopic fibres that are released into the air during works: drilling, dismantling or even broken materials. These fibres, if inhaled, penetrate your lungs and can cause serious respiratory illnesses, up to decades after exposure.

This is worrying… But measures have been in place for a very long time!

This is why the use of asbestos was banned more than 25 years ago, in order to protect professionals from exposure to it during works. But, for private individuals who embark on renovation works on their property, what should they do?

The solution: carry out an asbestos survey with the help of a certified professional to identify its presence.

Renovating a house or flat: be careful before knocking everything down

For several years now, we have been seeing a real trend towards DIY (Do It Yourself). Whether to make savings or simply inspired by the many YouTube tutorials, more and more owners are embarking on the renovation of their house or the renovation of their flat on their own, without calling on professionals!

Knocking down partitions, sanding down walls or ceilings, tearing up a floor covering… So many gestures that seem harmless during these works, but which can put you at great risk! There is a real lack of awareness of the risk posed by the presence of asbestos, but above all a plunge into the unknown regarding the materials where asbestos may be found and how to protect yourself from it.

All this DIY work, carried out without suitable protective equipment and without a prior survey, can massively release asbestos fibres into the air. The DIYer thus exposes themselves to health problems, but they can also endanger their whole family!

You have to think twice, and we know it: knowledge is power. The best thing? Surround yourself with professionals to identify the presence of asbestos within your property.

Is the asbestos survey mandatory before starting your worksite?

The law is clear and strict regarding asbestos: the asbestos survey is mandatory in many situations:

• Before the sale of a property whose building permit was issued before 1 July 1997,
• Before the rental of a home built before 1 July 1997,
• Before the demolition of a building,
• Before carrying out renovation works likely to affect materials containing asbestos

It is this last point that is of particular interest to us, because it is generally the least well-known obligation.

But yes, the asbestos survey before works is mandatory! And this is the case whether you decide to carry out the works on your own or by calling on tradespeople. Because it is up to the owner to initiate this survey before the start of the worksite.

So above all, remember to surround yourself well.

The importance of calling on a certified property diagnostician

Faced with the health issues linked to asbestos, and to ensure a fully transparent result, it is imperative to call on certified and qualified experts.

At RITMODiag, our diagnosticians are available to put all their skills and expertise at your service. Our team has a perfect knowledge of the materials at risk according to the construction periods, and has all the appropriate equipment to work within your home and take the required samples.

Beyond our skills in carrying out the asbestos survey, our team will bring you a genuine knowledge of the standards in force.

When to carry out your asbestos survey?

Whatever your renovation project, if your property was built before 1997, the asbestos survey always comes into play! This survey must be carried out beforehand in order to anticipate the equipment to be provided, the protective measures to be put in place and the tradespeople and/or professionals to be contacted before the start of your worksite.

How will the asbestos survey proceed?

When you call on our team, our advisers begin by pinning down your request, your needs and understanding the characteristics of your home. A certified property diagnostician is sent to your house or flat and will carry out a meticulous inspection then take all the necessary samples.

It is possible that they may need to analyse various materials that are likely to contain asbestos. All this is once again established according to your needs and the works planned, or indeed the construction period of the property.

At the end of their visit, they will hand you a detailed report (DTA or Asbestos Technical Survey) which will specify the presence of asbestos, its exact location, its state of conservation, the risk assessment and the recommendations to be followed.

What to do if asbestos is present? The right steps to take

If the report handed to you does indeed mention the presence of asbestos in your home, don’t panic! Here are the right reflexes to adopt:

• Do not handle asbestos-containing materials yourself,
• Do not attempt to clean, dust or vacuum surfaces containing asbestos,
• Keep the occupants and the various parties informed,
• Implement all the actions recommended by your property diagnostician within the DTA

Asbestos can be removed by calling on qualified professionals, such as an asbestos removal company. It is a meticulous operation ranging from preparing the worksite through to treating the waste. You will then be handed an asbestos removal certificate.

Be aware that subsidies are possible to help you manage the cost of this asbestos removal work. The National Housing Agency (Anah), for example, or certain local authorities can support you with schemes and financial assistance.

Preventing risks means protecting your health and your assets!

Above all, the important thing is to ensure your safety and that of the occupants of the property! As an owner, you have a legal obligation to provide a decent home. When selling your property, you must provide a valid asbestos survey within the Technical Diagnostics File (DDT).

A genuine tool for health prevention, the asbestos survey is essential for starting works, selling or renting out a property.

Beyond your health, it is your property assets that you decide to protect! Preserve the value of your property, plan the necessary property diagnostics and thereby take a responsible and lawful approach!

Professionals or private individuals, it is important to raise awareness of the risks posed by asbestos; RITMODiag is part of this awareness-raising approach and wishes, above all, to tackle this widespread lack of knowledge.

Undertaking renovation works within your home is good! Doing so safely is obviously better!

Call on professionals right now to support you in your procedures

Our team of advisers and property diagnosticians supports you to intervene quickly within your home.

Operating across many departments, you can call on our services to carry out an asbestos survey safely, in compliance with the standards in force and the regulations.

Your health and your safety are our priorities! Schedule your appointment right now.

Would you like to contact us? Do not hesitate to call us or to send us your requests by email via contact@ritmodiag.com.