Do I Need An Asbestos Survey For My Home In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction of buildings until the late 1990s. Once hailed for its resilience and durability, it is now recognised as a potential health hazard due to the tiny fibres that can be released into the air when the material is disturbed, damaged or degraded. If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present in your home or building, it is important to determine their location, condition and potential risk to health.

If you are a homeowner or property owner in Devon, you may be wondering if you need an asbestos survey for your property. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the age and type of property, the presence of ACMs, and any refurbishment or demolition plans you have. In this landing page, we will explore the topic of asbestos surveys in more detail, and explain how Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you to stay safe and compliant in this area.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property, undertaken by a specialist asbestos surveyor. The purpose of the survey is to identify the presence, type, and condition of any ACMs that may be present on the property, and to assess the level of risk they pose to health. This information is then used to create a detailed report, which includes a risk assessment and a management plan for any ACMs present.

There are two main types of survey: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is required for all non-domestic properties built before the year 2000, as well as some domestic properties with communal areas such as stairwells or garages. The survey is designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy of the building, and to assess their condition and risk. A refurbishment/demolition survey is required prior to any refurbishment or demolition work being carried out on a property, and is more intrusive and detailed than a management survey.

Why do I need an asbestos survey?

The main reason why you need an asbestos survey is to protect the health and safety of those who are living or working in the property. ACMs that are in good condition and not disturbed are unlikely to pose a risk to health, but if they are damaged or disturbed, the tiny fibres they release into the air can cause serious respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop, and there is no cure, so prevention is the only effective strategy.

In addition to the health risks, there are also legal and financial reasons why you need an asbestos survey. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require employers, duty holders and building owners to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials in their buildings, and failure to do so can result in prosecution, fines and even imprisonment. In terms of financial impact, the cost of removing or managing ACMs can be significant, so it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with before embarking on any refurbishment or demolition work that could disturb asbestos.

How do I know if I need an asbestos survey?

If you are unsure whether or not you need an asbestos survey for your property, there are several sources of guidance you can consult. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed information on asbestos surveys and when they are required, including a list of the types of building that are likely to contain ACMs. The HSE also provides a directory of licensed asbestos removal contractors, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, who are authorised to carry out asbestos surveys and removals.

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work, you will definitely need a refurbishment/demolition survey, as this is a legal requirement. If you are a landlord or property owner, you may also have a duty to carry out a management survey to protect the health and safety of any tenants or employees. Similarly, if you are a business owner, your duty extends to your employees, customers and visitors.

Can I carry out an asbestos survey myself?

No, you cannot legally carry out an asbestos survey yourself unless you are a licensed asbestos surveyor. This is because asbestos surveys require specialist knowledge and equipment, and the potential risks to health are significant. Attempting to carry out an asbestos survey without the necessary credentials or training is not only dangerous, it is also illegal.

What does an asbestos survey involve?

An asbestos survey typically involves several stages, which may include:

• A site visit to assess the property and its surroundings
• A review of any existing plans, drawings or maintenance records
• Identification and location of any ACMs
• Assessment of the condition, type and extent of any ACMs found
• Risk assessments and recommendations for management or removal of ACMs
• A detailed report, including a management plan and an asbestos register

The level of intrusion and detail required depends on the type of survey and the age and condition of the property. A management survey is likely to be less intrusive and less detailed than a refurbishment/demolition survey, as the purpose is simply to locate and assess the risk of ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy.

How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon help?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey and removal company based in the South West of England. Our experienced surveyors are fully trained and licensed to carry out all types of asbestos surveys, and we use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure accurate results and minimal disruption to your property. We understand that asbestos surveys can be a daunting prospect for homeowners and property owners, but we aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

As well as carrying out surveys, we also offer a range of asbestos removal services, including full removal, encapsulation and enclosure. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive and cost-effective asbestos management solution, tailored to the specific needs of your property and your budget. We also provide ongoing support and advice, including re-inspection and monitoring, to ensure that your property remains safe and compliant in the long term.

Conclusion

If you live or work in Devon and are unsure whether or not you need an asbestos survey for your property, the answer is likely to be yes. Asbestos-containing materials are still present in many buildings across the UK, and even small amounts of asbestos can pose a significant risk to health. An asbestos survey from a licensed and reputable company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide you with the information you need to stay safe and compliant, and to plan any refurbishment or demolition work you may have in mind. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or at [email protected] to find out more about our asbestos survey and removal services in Devon and the South West of England.