Do I Need An Asbestos Survey For A New Building In Devon?

Are you planning on buying or managing a new building in Devon, South West England? If so, you may be wondering if you need to hire an asbestos survey company before starting any work or renovations. The short answer is, most likely, yes especially if your building was constructed before the year 2000.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a highly experienced and professional company that provides a variety of asbestos-related services in Devon and the surrounding areas. In this article, we will explain why you may need an asbestos survey for a new building in Devon and how our company can help you manage any risks associated with asbestos.

Domestic Law and Asbestos

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that all non-domestic buildings constructed before the year 2000 must have an asbestos survey. However, this regulation does not apply to domestic properties such as houses, flats or apartments.

But, even though you may not be legally required to hire an asbestos survey company for your home or residential property, it is always a good idea to protect your health, safety and investment by understanding the potential risks associated with asbestos.

Health and Safety Concerns

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in British construction until the mid-1980s. It was valued for its strength, resistance to fire and insulation properties, and was commonly found in building materials such as insulation boards, cement, roofing tiles and textured coatings.

However, when asbestos is disturbed, it can release microscopic fibres into the air which, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Therefore, it is important to have an asbestos survey carried out by a professional company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building and create a management plan to ensure they are safely managed or removed.

Planning Department Requirements

If you are planning any construction, demolition or refurbishment work on a non-domestic building constructed before 2000 that may disturb ACMs, you must inform the local authority's planning department before starting any work. The planning department will then require you to provide an asbestos survey of your building to ensure the safety of the workers and the public.

Many Health Risks, Unlimited Health Benefits

By hiring Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for an asbestos survey, you will be able to identify any ACMs in the building, assess their condition and manage the risks associated with them. This proactive approach to your health and safety will not only protect you and your employees or family, but it may also save you money in the long run by preventing costly remediation work or compensation claims.

Do I need an Asbestos Survey for a Home or Building I am Buying?

If you are considering buying a new home or building in Devon, it is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out before completing the purchase. An asbestos survey will give you peace of mind that the property is safe to occupy and that you will be protected from any potential health risks associated with asbestos.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer a variety of asbestos surveys for both domestic and non-domestic buildings in Devon and the surrounding areas. These include:

Management Surveys

A management survey is a standard survey required for all non-domestic buildings constructed before 2000. The main purpose of this survey is to identify any ACMs that may be present in the building and to create an asbestos register and management plan.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys (RDS)

An RDS survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a non-domestic building constructed before 2000. The main purpose of this survey is to identify and quantify the ACMs that may be disturbed during the work, and to ensure that the area is made safe for the workers and the public.

Asbestos Containing Materials Sampling (ACMS)

ACMS is carried out by our technical director and undertaken by our firm of chartered building surveyors should we find suspected ACMs. This type of survey is the initial stage of the asbestos survey, whereby we extract samples of suspected ACMs or fragments for lab testing. Once the material has been positively identified, it is then managed or removed safely.

Asbestos Health and Safety Guidance

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are dedicated to helping our clients manage the risks associated with asbestos. We work closely with our clients to ensure they understand the potential risks associated with asbestos and create personalised management plans to keep their buildings, employees and families safe.

We are also committed to providing up-to-date guidance on asbestos health and safety through our website and other publications. Our team of experts regularly publish blog posts and other content to inform our clients and the general public about the latest developments in asbestos legislation, health risks and best practices.

Why Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

In conclusion, if you are managing, buying or renovating a building constructed before the year 2000 in Devon or the South West of England, it is highly recommended that you hire an asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to identify and manage any risks associated with asbestos.

By working with us, you will benefit from our extensive experience and expertise in asbestos surveying and management, as well as our commitment to providing a high-quality and affordable service. You will also receive a clear and detailed report of the survey, which will be easy to understand and informative.

So, if you need an asbestos survey in Devon or the surrounding areas, please contact us today on 01962 458066 for a reliable and professional service. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.