Historic landmarks are areas, objects, or structures maintained for cultural heritage value. They’re often protected by law. In most situations, organisations are tasked with keeping them in excellent shape for generations to come.

Herein lies the problem. How can you restore and preserve historic landmarks contaminated with asbestos? Repairing them can sometimes involve disturbing asbestos-containing materials. Do nothing, and those crucial landmarks fall into a state of disrepair. If they do, they can become a danger to the general public.

It’s a complex balancing act and not a job for the average person without asbestos experience. If this is a problem you’ve encountered or you’re curious, we’ve included some helpful information below.

Performing An Asbestos Assessment

Perhaps the most crucial first step is performing an asbestos assessment. An asbestos survey allows asbestos professionals to identify what asbestos-containing materials are present. They can also shed light on the volume and quality. When samples are taken, they are sent to labs so we can learn important information to help with the next steps of restoration and preservation.

An asbestos assessment can also involve a risk assessment. When you learn the asbestos’s location and condition, you can determine the risk level and how dangerous it can be to workers and the general public. This information may help prioritise specific tasks. For example, you might learn that you need to repair one part of a landmark sooner than others as it’s more damaged.

Containment vs. Removal

When asbestos on a historic landmark has been identified, those in charge have to make important decisions. They must decide whether containment is the best approach or if removal will be the safer long-term option.

Sometimes, containment is best because it results in a lessened exposure risk. This option tends to be popular in structures where ACM can be easily covered. For example, you can cover an asbestos-containing popcorn ceiling with standard ceiling materials.

However, removal can sometimes be safer when encapsulation or containment isn’t viable. This involves bringing in licensed, qualified people. They use all the best PPE to remove any asbestos-containing materials safely.

Planning for Restoration

Performing an asbestos assessment and removing or containing problematic ACM is just the first part of a historic landmark’s restoration and preservation. You also need to think about what will happen to the landmark once it has been altered for asbestos removal. Restoration planning is a massive part of the process.

This can involve documenting the historic structure with notes, photos, and sketches. The more details you have about a structure’s original materials and design, the easier restoration can often be.

You must also think about the best replacement materials for anything containing asbestos you have to remove. Those materials should match the structure’s historic elements. However, they should also meet modern health and safety standards. It can be crucial to involve preservation experts and architects in this process.

Permits and Compliance

Permits and compliance are often needed before preserving or restoring a historic landmark. While you can plan for how to take care of asbestos contamination, you’ll likely need to check in with your local council about what you need to comply with. This is an important step that shouldn’t be missed!

You may also need to ensure compliance with WorkSafe’s regulations. This is because asbestos is a hazardous substance. All WorkSafe Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations are available on the WorkSafe website.

General Public Communications

Historic landmarks are maintained to enhance local communities. They also give residents a sense of pride. As a result, it can be a good idea to communicate your plans for their restoration and preservation. It’s even more critical when asbestos is involved.

Ensure the general public, nearby residents, and employees know about the asbestos removal process, any risks, and the safety measures you’ll have in place. Don’t forget to put warning signs about asbestos work being in progress.

Long-Term Preservation

Restoring and preserving a historic landmark is not a one-time-only job. Ongoing maintenance can be needed to keep it in immaculate condition for the years to come. Maintenance can also be necessary if asbestos has been encapsulated or contained rather than removed.

In this situation, you’ll need a maintenance plan outlining how to prevent future asbestos-related problems. This plan would include steps for regular inspections to identify any deteriorating materials that might pose a health and safety risk.

Involve the Experts

Anything involving asbestos is not a job for the average person. Historic landmarks can involve even more care. If you or a business will be preserving or restoring a landmark with asbestos, contact the team at Chemcare. We can guide, educate, and be involved in your project for a successful outcome. If you have any questions about how this process works, contact us today.