Do I Need An Asbestos Survey To Sell My Shop In Devon?

If you're planning to sell your shop in Devon, or indeed anywhere in the UK, you may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey. The short answer is that it depends on the age of your building and the materials used in its construction. Asbestos was widely used in the UK in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s for insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes. It was eventually banned in 1999, but buildings constructed before this date may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

In this landing page, we'll explore the reasons why an asbestos survey may be necessary when selling a shop in Devon. We'll also introduce our company, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, and explain how we can help with your asbestos survey and management needs.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the UK construction industry from the 1950s to the 1990s. It was valued for its fire-resistant and insulating properties and was incorporated into a wide range of building materials, including cement, pipes, and roofing tiles.

When these materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release microscopic fibres of asbestos into the air. These fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can be inhaled into the lungs, causing serious respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop and are usually fatal.

Asbestos and Selling Your Shop

If you're planning to sell your shop in Devon, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that it is safe for occupation. This means that you need to identify any asbestos-containing materials in the building and assess the risk of exposure to these materials. If there is any risk of exposure, you must take steps to manage the asbestos and make sure that it is not disturbed.

An asbestos survey is the first step in this process. During a survey, a trained surveyor will inspect your premises and take samples of any suspect materials. The samples will be analysed in a laboratory to determine whether they contain asbestos and, if so, what type of asbestos it is.

Based on the results of the survey, you'll receive a report that outlines the location and condition of any ACMs in your building. The report will also include a risk assessment and recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos, if necessary.

Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

Whether you need an asbestos survey depends on the age of your building and the materials used in its construction. As a rule of thumb, if your shop was built before 2000, there is a chance that it may contain asbestos-containing materials. Even if your building was constructed after 2000, it's still possible that asbestos-containing materials were used, particularly if it has been refurbished or renovated in the past.

If you're in doubt about whether you need an asbestos survey, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Asbestos is a serious health risk, and failure to identify and manage it adequately could result in legal action and reputational damage.

How Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Can Help

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey and management company serving Devon and the wider South West of England. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and our team of surveyors and technicians are fully trained and accredited to the highest standards.

We offer a full range of services, from asbestos surveys and sampling to project management and asbestos removal. Our aim is to provide a straightforward, affordable, and efficient service to help you manage your asbestos risk and meet your legal obligations.

We work with a wide range of clients, from individual homeowners to large commercial organizations, and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality asbestos solutions. Our website contains detailed information about our services, as well as useful resources and links to relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning to sell your shop in Devon, it's essential to consider whether you need an asbestos survey. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, failure to identify and manage asbestos adequately could result in far greater costs in the long run.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is here to help you manage your asbestos risk and ensure the safety of your premises. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey and management requirements.