Do I Need An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in various industries due to its unique properties: it is heat-resistant, durable, and has good insulation properties. The use of asbestos was common in the construction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other commercial buildings up until the late 1990s when it was discovered to be highly hazardous to human health.

Asbestos fibers can cause a number of serious diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, which can take years or even decades to develop. As a result, the UK government has enforced strict regulations on the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos.

If you own, manage or rent premises in Devon, you may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey. There are a number of factors to consider before deciding whether an asbestos survey is necessary.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough examination of a building or structure to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess their condition. The purpose of the survey is to help you manage the risks associated with asbestos, and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management surveys This type of survey is intended to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any ACMs in a building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation.

2. Refurbishment and Demolition surveys This survey is required when the building (or part of it) is to be refurbished or demolished. The survey aims to locate all ACMs to be removed before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place.

What are the benefits of an Asbestos Survey?

Having an asbestos survey carried out can bring a number of benefits:

1. Compliance with legal requirements The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require duty holders to manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises. An asbestos survey can help you comply with these regulations and avoid hefty fines or legal action.

2. Protecting your health and that of your employees, clients or tenants Asbestos exposure can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. A survey can help you identify any ACMs that may pose a threat to human health and take the appropriate action to protect yourself and others.

3. Peace of mind Knowing that an expert has assessed your building for asbestos and taken appropriate measures can help give you peace of mind.

4. Cost savings By identifying and managing asbestos risks in a timely and efficient manner, you can avoid costly asbestos removal or remediation works later down the line.

Do I need an Asbestos Survey?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that if you own, manage, or have a responsibility for a building or premises, you have a duty to manage asbestos risks in that building. The first step towards fulfilling this duty is to identify the location and condition of any ACMs present in the building.

The risk of asbestos exposure is dependent on a number of factors, such as the type of ACM, its condition and location within the building, the activities taking place within the premises, and the number of people who are likely to be exposed to the fibers.

Therefore, whether or not you need an asbestos survey depends on the nature of your building and the associated risks. A few factors to consider when deciding whether you need an asbestos survey include:

1. Age of the building If your building was constructed before the year 2000, it may contain ACMs. Any refurbishment or demolition work on the building would legally require an asbestos survey, and it may be prudent to carry out a management survey beforehand.

2. Building usage Buildings that have higher occupancy or activities such as maintenance, repairs or demolition works have an increased risk of asbestos exposure, as these activities can disturb any ACMs present in the building.

3. Previous asbestos surveys If there have been no previous asbestos surveys carried out on the building or if there are any changes in the use or condition of the building, then a survey may be required to update the asbestos register.

4. Suspected ACMs If you suspect that there are ACMs present in the building due to previous leaks, damage or any other reason, then an asbestos survey can help you confirm or refute this suspicion.

Choosing an Asbestos Surveyor

If youve decided that you need an asbestos survey, the next step is to choose a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor who can carry out the survey. You should choose an asbestos surveyor who is accredited by a relevant body such as UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) or operates under one of the trade body schemes such as ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association).

When selecting an asbestos survey company, look for one that provides a comprehensive service, including a detailed report and recommendations for any necessary action. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos survey company providing services tailored to your specific requirements. Our qualified and experienced surveyors use the most up-to-date techniques to identify any ACMs in your premises, assess the risks they present and recommend appropriate action to protect you and your staff.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Your Asbestos Survey Company in Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos survey and removal company operating throughout Devon, South West England, and the wider region. We pride ourselves on delivering a prompt, efficient and cost-effective service to our clients, whether you require an asbestos survey or removal service.

Our team of asbestos surveyors and removal experts are fully trained, qualified and experienced in working with ACMs, providing you with the assurance that your premises are in safe hands. We use the latest technology and equipment to ensure that our surveys are accurate, reliable and delivered to the highest standards.

We offer a comprehensive range of asbestos services, including management surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, sampling and analysis, asbestos removal and remediation. Our services are tailored to meet your requirements, ensuring that we provide you with the most effective asbestos solution for your premises.

Contact Us Today!

If you require an asbestos survey in Devon or any of our other asbestos services, then contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our services are tailored to meet your specific needs and our team of experts will be happy to answer any questions you have about asbestos or our services.

Call us today on 01962 458066 for a free, no-obligation quote, or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you protect your health and that of your employees, clients, or tenants.