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

If you live in Devon or anywhere in the South West of England and you own a property, the chances are that you may have heard of asbestos, or even come in contact with it. Asbestos is a building material that was commonly used in construction projects from the 1950s to the 1980s, before being banned in the UK in 1999.

Asbestos can be dangerous to health if it is disturbed, and anyone who may potentially come across it should be aware of the risks. This is why it is important to understand what an asbestos survey is, and why you may need one for your home in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in a range of different building materials due to its insulating and fire-retardant properties. It was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the 1980s, especially in the production of insulation, roofing materials, and decorative finishes.

However, asbestos is now known to be a serious health hazard exposure to asbestos fibers can cause a range of respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Why Do You Need An Asbestos Survey?

If your home was built before 2000, there is a possibility that it may contain asbestos. If the presence of asbestos is suspected or has been identified, it is important to have an asbestos survey carried out.

An asbestos survey will identify and assess any potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the property. It will evaluate the condition and the accessibility of the ACMs and recommend the appropriate action to be taken to manage or remove them.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that all non-domestic buildings (including commercial and public buildings) have an asbestos survey carried out, and this is often a legal requirement. However, homeowners are not legally required to have an asbestos survey carried out before selling or renovating their property. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable to have an asbestos survey carried out to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Your Asbestos Survey Company in Devon

If you live in Devon or anywhere in the South West of England and need an asbestos survey, you can rely on Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We are a reputable, licensed asbestos survey company that provides fast, reliable, and cost-effective asbestos surveys for properties of any size and type.

Our asbestos surveyors are highly qualified and experienced, and they are fully equipped to carry out thorough and accurate surveys, ensuring that all ACMs are identified and assessed correctly. We use the latest technologies in the industry to detect hidden or inaccessible materials, and we provide detailed reports of our findings with clear recommendations for safe management or removal of the ACMs.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys, and depending on your needs, one or both may be required.

Management Asbestos Survey

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey, and it is required to be carried out regularly by law, for non-domestic premises that you may own, manage or occupy. It is a pre-emptive measure to identify the presence of asbestos and manage it safely.

The survey is non-intrusive, meaning that it does not cause any damage to the building or its contents. The surveyor will inspect the building for any signs of asbestos, including ceiling tiles, insulation, pipes, flooring, and other materials.

If any ACMs are found, the surveyor will take samples for analysis to determine whether the ACMs are indeed asbestos-containing. An Asbestos Management Plan will be provided which will include recommendations on how to manage identified ACMs, which could include monitoring or removal.

Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work, then by law, a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey must be carried out. This survey is more intrusive than the Management Asbestos Survey, as it involves a thorough search in all areas of the property.

The Refurbishment and Demolition survey aims to identify all ACMs before any work is conducted so that it can be managed safely. Like the Management Asbestos Survey, any suspected ACMs will be sampled for analysis.

Health and Safety Considerations

If asbestos is found in your property, it should not be removed or disturbed until it has been assessed by a competent person. The reason for this is because asbestos fibers can become airborne if disturbed, which can cause health problems if inhaled. Removal must be done by a licensed asbestos removal contractor and disposed of properly.

It is essential for the health and safety of everyone in the building, that asbestos is dealt with safely and effectively. Relying on a professional asbestos surveyor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is essential for making informed decisions about the management or removal of asbestos.

Conclusion

If you live in Devon or anywhere in the South West of England and own a property that was built pre-2000, then an asbestos survey is highly recommended. It is better to be safe than sorry, and the cost of an asbestos survey outweighs the cost of dealing with the health risks and legal consequences of not having one carried out.

You can trust Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for a fast, reliable, and cost-effective asbestos survey for your property. Give us a call on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for more information or to book your asbestos survey today.