HAZARDOUS AND DELETERIOUS MATERIALS Flashcards
What is radon?
- Natural, odourless, tasteless & radioactive gas
- Low levels in air but collects in confined spaces like buildings
What is the risk of radon exposure?
Long exposure can lead to lung cancer
How is radon mitigated in buildings?
Radon slump
Increased ventilation
Test once a year
Name some common Asbestos Containing Building Materials?
Insulation lagging
Fire cloth blanket
Insulation boards
Ceiling linings
Cladding
Name some other deleterious materials?
Munic
Calcium chloride cement
High Alumia cement
What is high alumina cement, and what is its risk?
- Used in 1950-70s for cement T bars for floor and roof decks due to rapid strength development
- Vulnerable to chemical attack & reduced strength
- Cases of it collapsing - so banned
What is calcium chloride cement, and what is its risk?
- Accelerated for cement to set (used until 1970s)
- Caused corrosion of embedded material
What is mundic, and what is its risk?
Mineral Mine waste found in Devon & Cornwall
Used in aggregate in concrete blocks up until 1950s
Chemical change caused concrete to deteriorate
What are the contamination risks that need to be considered on property inspections?
Asbestos
Legionella (A/C or other supplies)
Chemicals
How can contamination exist at a property?
From previous tenants (e.g processing)
Asbestos
Underground storage tanks can contaminate soil and ground water (Industrial sites)
Methane gas
What are contamination signs that a surveyor should look out for?
Strong or Unusual odours
Discoloration of soil or water
Vegetation damage
Surface staining
Nearby contaminated sites
What are three typical phases of investigation for contamination?
Review site history
Carry out investigation to identify extent of contamination
Remediation report setting out cost and options
When instructed to value a contaminated site, what approaches should be considered?
- Do not provide advice until you have received a specialist report
- Caveat advice with appropriate disclaimer highlighting assumptions
- Deduct remedial costs from gross site value
What is Land Remediation Relief?
From of Tax that applies to contaminated or derelict land in the UK
What are deleterious/hazardous materials?
Materials that are harmful to health
What are signs that deleterious materials are present?
- Brown staining on concrete
- Spalling or cracking of concrete
- Peeling of flaking of paint on window frames doors etc (lead-based paint common before 1980s)
What should you do if you discover hazardous materials on inspection?
Recommend a specialist attends to investigate and provide a a remediation report
Make appropriate assumptions
What should you do if you discover asbestos?
- Check asbestos survey to see it is on register, if not, instruct asbestos survey
- If undisturbed does not need to be removed (removal can create hazards and is stable when intact - seal up)
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Fast growing, invasive plant where stems goes very deep underground
Why is Japanese Knotweed a concern for property owners and managers?
Difficult to control, expensive to eradicate (need specialist), damages hard surfaces, foundations and tarmac
Lenders may refuse to loan if it is present at property
What does Japanese Knotweed look like?
Purple stem, green leaves, white flower produced in late summer early autumn
What are consequences of letting Japanese Knotweed spread?
Criminal offence under Wildlife and Countryside act 1981
Local authorities can issue ASBO & fines
What are invasive species that property owners and managers should be aware of?
Japanese Knotweed and Hybrid knotweed
What RICS publication relates to asbestos?
RICS Professional Asbestos Standard 2021
Full name - Asbestos Legal Requirements and Best practice for property professionals and clients 4th edition 2021
What RICS publication relates to Japanese knotweed?
Japanese Knotweed and Residential property 2022
When was Asbestos outlawed?
1985 - Blue,Brown
1999 - White
How would you undertake a contamination survey?
I would not be competent to undertake a contamination survey
If I noted contamination from an inspection, I would take photo and take any details, notifying my client to get a competent individual to review
What is RAAC?
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
1950s to the mid-1990s primarily used in roofs
Structural Weakness & Limited Lifespan
