Do I Need An Asbestos Survey To Demolish A Building In Devon?

If you're planning to demolish or refurbish a building in Devon, you may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was commonly used in the construction of buildings before its dangers were known. It was used mainly for insulation and fireproofing, but due to its harmful effects, its use has been banned. However, it can still be found in many old buildings, so it's important to get an asbestos survey before carrying out any work that might disturb it.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a professional asbestos survey company based in Devon. We provide affordable and professional asbestos survey services to help you comply with the law and keep your workers and occupants safe. In this article, we'll explain why you need an asbestos survey before demolishing or refurbishing a building in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry in the past. It was used mainly for insulation, as well as for fireproofing, roofing, and flooring. Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can be easily inhaled. When these fibers enter the lungs, they can cause serious diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but any buildings constructed before this time may still contain asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos is greatest when it is disturbed, as this releases the fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled. Demolishing or refurbishing a building can disturb asbestos, so it's essential to get an asbestos survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building before work starts.

Why Do I Need An Asbestos Survey?

Under UK law, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos in any building that you own or manage. This includes identifying any ACMs in the building and taking steps to protect workers and occupants from exposure to asbestos fibers. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the legal requirements for managing asbestos in non-domestic buildings.

Before carrying out any work that might disturb ACMs, you must have an asbestos survey carried out by a competent person. This will identify any ACMs in the building and help you to manage them safely. If ACMs are identified, you will need to create an asbestos management plan, which must be followed when carrying out any work that may disturb asbestos.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys - refurbishment and demolition surveys. Refurbishment surveys are required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. These surveys are intrusive and involve removing or disturbing materials to establish whether they contain asbestos. The survey will identify all ACMs in the building, including those hidden behind walls, floors, or ceilings.

Demolition surveys are required before any demolition work is carried out. These surveys are even more intrusive than refurbishment surveys and may involve the complete destruction of the building. The survey will identify all ACMs in the building that may be disturbed during demolition work.

Asbestos Survey Process

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide professional asbestos surveys to help you comply with the law and keep your workers and occupants safe. Our asbestos survey process involves the following:

1. Contact us: Simply call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to arrange an asbestos survey.

2. Survey: Our experienced surveyors will carry out a thorough inspection of the building to identify any ACMs. This may involve taking samples of materials for laboratory analysis.

3. Report: We will provide a detailed report of our findings, including a management plan for any identified ACMs. The report will also identify any areas of the building that were inaccessible during the survey.

4. Re-inspection: We recommend that you carry out regular re-inspections to ensure that the asbestos management plan continues to be effective. We can arrange these for you at an affordable price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning to demolish or refurbish a building in Devon, you need an asbestos survey to comply with the law and protect your workers and occupants from exposure to asbestos fibers. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide affordable and professional asbestos survey services to help you manage asbestos safely. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to arrange an asbestos survey.