Do I Need An Asbestos Survey On A Commercial Property In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for its heat resistance, strength, and durability. However, it was discovered that asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks when disturbed, and prolonged exposure to these fibers has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other lung diseases.

Asbestos-containing materials can still be found in many commercial properties built before the year 2000. If you own or manage a commercial property in Devon, it is important to be aware of the presence of asbestos and take proactive steps to ensure the safety of your employees, customers, and visitors.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a reputable asbestos survey company in Devon that provides comprehensive and affordable asbestos surveys for commercial properties throughout South West England.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a property to identify the presence, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on the premises. This survey is usually carried out by a licensed asbestos surveyor who will examine all areas of the building, including roof spaces, ceilings, walls, and floors.

The purpose of the survey is to:

• Identify the location and type of asbestos-containing materials present in the property

• Assess the condition of the materials and determine if they pose a health risk

• Recommend appropriate actions to manage or remove the asbestos-containing materials

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: Management Surveys and Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys.

Management Surveys

A Management Survey is required when managing the presence of asbestos-containing materials in your property. This survey will identify the presence, location, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance or other activities.

The survey will usually involve the collection of small samples of material from various areas of the property for analysis by an accredited laboratory. This will help identify the type and quantity of asbestos present, as well as recommend appropriate procedures for managing or removing the materials.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is required when you plan to carry out refurbishment or demolition work that could potentially disturb asbestos-containing materials. This survey is more intrusive and will involve destructive inspection methods to access areas that are not easily accessible.

The purpose of this survey is to identify the presence and extent of any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition work. The survey will recommend appropriate methods for managing or removing the materials before any work begins.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

There are several reasons why you need an asbestos survey for your commercial property in Devon:

Health and Safety

Asbestos-containing materials can pose serious health risks if they are disturbed, allowing asbestos fibers to become airborne and inhaled. These fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other lung diseases if they are inhaled over a prolonged period of time.

An asbestos survey will identify any materials that contain asbestos and assess their condition. This will help you determine the level of risk associated with the materials and develop appropriate measures to control the risks and protect the health and safety of your employees, customers, and visitors.

Legal Requirement

Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement for anyone who owns or manages a commercial property in Devon. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, you have a duty to manage asbestos in any non-domestic property that you own or manage.

This duty includes identifying whether asbestos is present, assessing the risk, and developing a plan to manage the risk. An asbestos survey is the first step in fulfilling this duty and ensuring the safety of your property and the people who use it.

Property Management

An asbestos survey can also be useful for property management purposes. Knowing the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials on your property can help you make informed decisions about maintenance, refurbishment, and demolition work.

An asbestos survey will provide detailed information about the type and quantity of asbestos present, as well as recommendations for safely managing or removing the materials. This information can help you prioritize maintenance tasks, plan for refurbishment work, and manage the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials.

How We Can Help

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a licensed and accredited asbestos survey company in Devon that provides comprehensive and affordable asbestos surveys for commercial properties throughout South West England.

Our team of experienced asbestos surveyors will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify any asbestos-containing materials present, assess the condition of the materials, and recommend appropriate measures for managing or removing the materials.

We use the latest equipment and sampling techniques to collect samples of any suspected asbestos-containing materials on your property. These samples are analyzed by an accredited laboratory to identify the type and quantity of asbestos present.

Once the survey is complete, we will provide you with a detailed report outlining the results of the survey, including the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials and the recommended actions for managing or removing the materials.

We understand that managing asbestos can be a daunting task, which is why we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need throughout the process. Our team of experts can help you develop an asbestos management plan that meets your specific needs and ensures the safety of your property and the people who use it.

Contact Us Today

If you own or manage a commercial property in Devon and are unsure whether you need an asbestos survey, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are here to answer any questions you may have and help you understand the steps you need to take to manage asbestos in your property.

Call us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our asbestos survey services and how we can help you ensure the safety of your property and the people who use it.