What are the current regulations and guidelines in Belgium regarding the management, removal and disposal of materials containing asbestos?
When selling a large non-residential building in Belgium, you always need an asbestos certificate from an OVAM-certified agency. At Avenue, we work closely with specialized companies such as House Check to ensure that all the properties we broker are in compliance with the latest regulations.
HOW CAN YOU RECOGNIZE ASBESTOS IN YOUR BUILDING AND WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL IN AN EXPERT?
Asbestos is used in various ways, it is most commonly found in corrugated iron roofs or as pipe insulation. Experts take mixed samples from the walls and ceilings in three different rooms and send them to a laboratory to determine the presence of asbestos. In roofing, there are a few ways to recognize the presence of asbestos:
- The appearance of moss circles on the roof
- A honeycomb structure along the sides
- Fibers protruding from broken pieces
- The fibers do not melt when held near a small fire
This type of asbestos, if in good condition, is relatively easy and cost-effective to remove yourself.
When it comes to asbestos-insulated pipes, you need a professional to detect and remove them. The building should be partially vacuumed sealed while removing the asbestos and then thoroughly cleaned.
At Avenue, we hold regular training sessions with experts in the field, so our team is always up to date with the latest guidelines and can effectively advise both investors and retailers on every transaction!