Do All Houses Need An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was widely used in the construction of buildings in the UK until the late 1990s. The use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many buildings still contain asbestos materials that present a potential risk to people's health. As a result, the UK government has established regulations that require the management and safe removal of asbestos from buildings.

If you live in Devon, you might be wondering if your house needs an asbestos survey. The answer is yes, in most cases. In this landing page, we will explore why asbestos surveys are necessary, what they involve, and how to get one in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. When these fibres are released into the air and inhaled, they can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Where is Asbestos Found in Homes?

Asbestos was used in many different building materials, so it could be found in any part of your home. Common materials that contain asbestos include:

• Asbestos cement sheets used for roofing and cladding
• Asbestos insulation boards used for fireproofing and insulation
• Asbestos floor tiles and vinyl sheeting
• Asbestos ceiling tiles and wall plaster
• Asbestos lagging on pipework and boilers
• Asbestos rope seals and gaskets in appliances

Why Is an Asbestos Survey Necessary?

If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, it is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out by a professional asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. A survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your home, assess the risk they pose and provide a plan for the safe management of any ACMs found.

An asbestos survey is also necessary if you are planning to undertake any work on your home, such as renovations or repairs. The survey will identify any areas where asbestos needs to be removed before work can commence, ensuring that you comply with health and safety regulations.

What Does an Asbestos Survey Involve?

An asbestos survey involves a thorough inspection of your property by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor. There are two types of surveys that can be carried out: a management survey or a refurbishment and demolition survey.

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that aims to identify any ACMs that may be present in your home. The surveyor will inspect all accessible areas of your home, including lofts and attics, basements, and outbuildings. They will also take samples of any suspected ACMs for analysis in a laboratory.

A management survey is primarily aimed at identifying ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during routine maintenance or minor repairs. The survey report will provide a management plan for the safe management and monitoring of ACMs found.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey is a more intrusive type of survey that is required when significant work is planned, which may involve the disturbance of ACMs. The surveyor will inspect all areas of your home, including those that are inaccessible or concealed, such as behind walls or under floors.

The surveyor will take samples of suspected ACMs for analysis in a laboratory. The survey report will provide a plan for the safe removal of any ACMs found before work commences.

Is an Asbestos Survey Required by Law in Devon?

There is currently no legal requirement to have an asbestos survey carried out on residential properties in Devon. However, as a homeowner, you have a duty to protect yourself, your family, and anyone else who may visit your home from the risks posed by asbestos.

If you are a landlord, you have a legal duty to manage the risk of asbestos in your rental properties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This means that you must have an asbestos survey carried out in your rental property before it is let, and you must keep a record of the survey findings.

If you are planning to sell your home, you may be asked by the buyer to provide an asbestos survey report as part of the conveyancing process. Failure to provide such a report may affect the sale of your property.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to providing high-quality, affordable asbestos surveys and removal services in Devon and the South West of England. Our experienced and qualified surveyors use the latest equipment and techniques to identify and assess ACMs in your home, providing you with a detailed report and a management plan to ensure that any ACMs are managed safely.

We offer a range of services, including:

• Management survey
• Refurbishment and demolition survey
• Asbestos removal
• Asbestos disposal
• Asbestos encapsulation

Contact Us Today

If you suspect that your home in Devon may contain asbestos, or if you are planning any work on your home, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to arrange a survey. Our professional and friendly team will be happy to help you protect your health and that of your family. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information about our services.