Asbestos is a group of minerals with long, thin fibrous crystals. The word "asbestos" is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. The Greeks termed asbestos the "miracle mineral" because of its soft and pliant properties, as well as its ability to withstand heat. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, its sound absorption and tensile strength. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibres are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos was used in brake shoes and gaskets for its heat resistance, and in the past was used on electric oven and hotplate wiring for its electrical insulation at elevated temperature, and in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

This "miracle material" is now known to be highly toxic. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Since the mid 1980s, many uses of asbestos have been banned in many countries.

Asbestos has been considered a hazardous substance that can be dangerous to human health for some time, often only discovered during demolition/construction works or deemed ‘ safe in certain applications'. Asbestos however, can enter the body in three ways; inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin, therefore at the end of their lifecycle, the disposal of such asbestos containing materials such as insulation, lagging, pipes, corrugated roofing sheets and ceiling /floor tiles needs to be carefully managed.

Like other natural minerals, Asbestos is mined and is a generic name given to six specific minerals:

• Chrysolite - White Asbestos
• Amosite - Brown Asbestos
• Crocidolite - Blue Asbestos
• Anthophylite
• Actinolite
• Tremolite

The introduction in 1998 and revision in 2002, of The Control of Asbestos at Work (CAW) Regulations have made Asbestos Risk and Waste Management of even greater significance as a Health and Safety Issue. The regulations themselves place a ‘ Duty of Care’ on all commercial organisations occupying buildings constructed between 1930 and 1970, whereby employers must identify and prevent employee exposure to materials containing Asbestos.

Under The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations, employers’ must:

• While assuming all materials contain asbestos unless having proved 
  otherwise, take all reasonable steps to determine the location and
  condition of all materials liable to contain Asbestos.

• Compile an ‘Asbestos register’.

• Assess the risks from the identified Asbestos.

• Organise and put into effect a strategy for managing the Asbestos risk
   and disposal.

• Ensure contactors and visitors are made aware of Asbestos
   information.

• Continually review and update the register, risks and strategy in to allow 
  for deterioration and ‘best practice’.

The introduction of the new Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR 2006) 2006 which came into force in November 2006 has put even greater stress on training, asbestos awareness training and asbestos management in the UK. With property development and expectations on local government and housing associations at an all time high the need for quantity and reliable asbestos services from organisations becomes paramount.

AES-Marconi is one of the leading Asbestos Consultants and removal contractors within the UK and Ireland providing a large range of asbestos services including Asbestos surveys, Asbestos testing, Asbestos Management, Asbestos training and Asbestos removal.

We have been providing asbestos services to our clients since 1991 and over recent years have seen a large growth in our business along with the successful development of new and exciting areas of our industry.
AES-Marconi can offer all aspects of Asbestos Consultancy, training and removal and verification and believe it is our tailored approach to business that gives us the edge within the industry. We understand the pressures experienced when it comes to getting the job completed and our long term relationships with a great many clients serves a testament to our continued success and the service we strive to deliver.

AES-Marconi has designed its services as a complete ‘Lifecycle’ Solution, but these services can be offered in part at any stage of a project. We currently offer the following asbestos services however if there is something you are looking for but it is not featured please contact us.

• Asbestos Surveys
• Risk Assessments
• Asbestos Management Systems
• Asbestos sampling & Analysis
• Investigation Reports
• Remediation Plans & Estimates
• Project Management
• Asbestos Removal & Disposal (Licensed Waste Carrier)
• Asbestos Transportation & Disposal Services
• Asbestos Training
• Asbestos Encapsulation / Treatment
• Replacement of Asbestos materials with substitutes.