Do I Need An Asbestos Survey Before Doing Works In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials until the 1980s. It was valued for its fire resistance, insulation properties, and strength. However, asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is important to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) properly, especially when planning any type of renovation or demolition works in Devon.

Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement in many cases, and they are essential for protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon that can help you determine whether you need a survey or not, what type of survey you require, and how to manage any ACMs found.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys that you might need, depending on the type of building and the nature of the works:

Management Survey

A management survey is the standard survey that is required for non-domestic buildings in Devon that were built before 2000. The purpose of this survey is to locate ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance works. A management survey is required to manage the risk of asbestos exposure for people who use or work in the building. This survey does not aim to identify every single ACM in the building, but to provide a reasonable assessment of their presence, location, and condition.

A management survey involves:

• Visually inspecting all accessible areas of the building (including roof spaces, voids, and plant rooms)
• Sampling suspected ACMs if necessary
• Assessing the condition and extent of any ACMs found
• Assigning a risk score to each ACM
• Preparing a survey report that includes a plan of the surveyed areas, a register of the identified ACMs, and recommendations for their management or removal.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has a team of qualified asbestos surveyors who can carry out management surveys in Devon and provide you with comprehensive and clear reports that comply with HSE guidelines.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey is required when you plan to do any major works that may disturb the fabric of the building, such as removing walls, ceilings, floors, or services. This type of survey is more intrusive than a management survey because it aims to locate and identify all ACMs that could be disturbed by the works. A refurbishment and demolition survey is required to ensure that no one is exposed to asbestos fibers during the works, and that any ACMs are safely removed before the works start.

A refurbishment and demolition survey involves:

• Locating and identifying all ACMs that could be disturbed by the works
• Sampling all suspected ACMs, including those that are inaccessible, if necessary
• Assessing the condition and extent of each ACM
• Preparing a detailed report that includes the locations and quantities of the identified ACMs, photographs, and recommendations for their safe removal.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide you with tailored refurbishment and demolition surveys in Devon that meet your specific needs and comply with the latest regulations and best practices.

When Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you are planning any type of construction, refurbishment, or demolition works in Devon, you may need an asbestos survey before starting. Here are some common scenarios when you need an asbestos survey:

Non-Domestic Buildings in Devon

If you own, manage, or occupy a non-domestic building in Devon that was built before 2000, you must have a management survey to identify any ACMs that could be disturbed by normal activities or maintenance works. This applies to all types of buildings, such as offices, shops, schools, hospitals, factories, warehouses, and public buildings. You must also keep the survey report up to date and review it regularly.

If you are planning any works that may disturb the fabric of the building, you may need a refurbishment and demolition survey to locate and remove all ACMs beforehand. You must also notify the local council of your intention to do the works, and provide them with a copy of the survey report.

Domestic Buildings in Devon

If you own or occupy a domestic building in Devon, such as a house, flat, or bungalow, you do not need a survey unless:

• You suspect that the building contains ACMs
• You will be sharing the building with others, such as tenants or lodgers, and there is a risk of exposure to asbestos fibers
• You are exporting or importing the building to or from a country that requires an asbestos survey.

If you are unsure whether your domestic building contains ACMs or not, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can advise you and carry out a survey if necessary.

Regulations and Duty to Manage Asbestos

Asbestos is regulated by several laws and regulations in the UK, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

These regulations impose a duty on employers, building owners, and occupiers to manage the risks associated with ACMs in their premises. This duty to manage asbestos includes:

• Identifying and locating all ACMs in the building
• Assessing the condition and risk of each ACM
• Preparing a written plan of how to manage the ACMs, including monitoring, labeling, training, and notification
• Regularly reviewing and updating the plan, and keeping it available for inspection
• Ensuring that anyone who may come into contact with the ACMs is informed, trained, and protected from exposure.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, sanctions, and legal action, as well as health risks and reputational damage.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted and accredited asbestos survey company in Devon that can guide you through the entire process of identifying, managing, and removing ACMs from your building. Our team of experienced and qualified surveyors uses the latest equipment and techniques to provide you with accurate and reliable survey reports that comply with the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

We offer competitive prices and flexible services that fit your schedule and needs. We also provide additional services, such as asbestos removal, asbestos testing, and asbestos awareness training, to help you protect your health and safety and that of your workers and occupants.

Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your needs and get a free quote. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information and testimonials from our satisfied clients in Devon and across the South West of England.