KAD - Asbestos Specialists for Historical Objects

Most people are aware of the risks associated with asbestos from building fabric materials in museums, but have you ever considered asbestos being present in the display showcases or historical objects?

KAD have spent 5 years dedicating our specifically designed asbestos services to protect the liability of museums, by reducing the risks of exposure to asbestos and preventing the spread of asbestos in museums.

KAD have handled, inspected and identified a huge number of asbestos risks in historical objects both in storage and on public display We’ve inspected practically all forms of collections from aircraft to light bulbs and found asbestos in approx 80% of the collections we’ve inspected!

Practically all Asbestos Containing Objects (ACOs) KAD have identified present a significant risk to collections care specialists, and in many cases the general public. The main reason for this is simple – lack of accurate information and knowledge on asbestos in the collections.

To explain the difference between building fabric, Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) and Asbestos Containing Objects (ACOs) :-

• Approximately 3,000 Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) have
• been used as building fabric materials
• There are over 5,000 ACMs used in historical objects
• Buildings have used asbestos for over 100 years
• Historical objects have used asbestos for over 5,000 years
• Building fabric ACMs are usually recorded and in good condition
• Historical object ACMs are usually un-identified and in poor
• condition.
• Building contractors are asbestos awareness trained
• Very few collections care staff are asbestos awareness trained
• Building fabric materials are only usually disturbed during
• maintenance, repair or refurbishment
• Historical objects are handled, cleaned and regenerated on a daily
• basis

So why are the HSE now looking for museum organisations and heritage sites to manage Asbestos Containing Objects (ACOs)? Because the risks of exposure to asbestos in the collections is far greater than the risks of asbestos in the building fabric.

From years of training, inspecting and assisting UK National Museum Organisations in managing asbestos in collections effectively and efficiently, we have developed museum specific policies and procedures for asbestos management. If suitable management procedures are not in place there is a substantial risk that in the future collections care staff who are exposed to asbestos may seek legal compensation from you the employer, to which insurance usually will not cover.

So how can you reduce your exposure risks and limit your organisation’s liability? KAD have worked closely with the HSE for 5 years ensuring our specifically designed asbestos management procedures not only meet the current regulations, but excel them.

KAD are currently working with many National Museum Organisations throughout England & Scotland to minimise and reduce their liable risks and results have been instant. KAD have designed a historical objectsspecific risk assessment that applies to any object, anywhere in the world, and completed by the collection care staff within 10 seconds! KAD specialise in inspecting historical objects in order to locate and assess any asbestos that may be present. The information is recorded and presented in a survey report with colour photos, floor plans and an asbestos register to complete your legal requirements. If any asbestos is detected KAD work closely with the client to ensure any treatment is conducted safely, correctly and effectively to protect the objects and the client interests. KAD can make all necessary arrangements to treat any ACMs that are identified, design a remediation project, project manage the entire process, update all documents and issue certificates to ensure legal compliance.

KAD Environmental Consultancy are the only one-stop-shop asbestos professionals specialising in historical objects and are members of the Museums Association. So remember, before conducting any refurbishment of galleries all building fabric, showcases AND historical objects need to be professionally inspected for asbestos.