Do You Need A Licence To Carry Out Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos was once a very common material used in construction due to its durability and heat-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers could cause severe and often deadly respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, the use, removal, and maintenance of asbestos is now heavily regulated, and anyone who works with asbestos needs to be properly trained and licensed.

If you live or work in Devon, South West England, and are planning on carrying out any work on a building that may contain asbestos, it is essential to understand the regulations surrounding asbestos and whether or not you need a license to carry out an asbestos survey. This article will explore this topic in detail, with a particular focus on the services offered by Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material made up of tiny fibers that can be easily inhaled. When these fibers enter the body, they can cause a range of respiratory diseases, including the deadly forms of cancer mentioned earlier. Because of these risks, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, and all buildings constructed before this time are likely to contain asbestos.

Asbestos is most commonly found in insulation, roofing materials, and some types of flooring. If you are planning on carrying out any work on a building built before 2000, it is vital to determine whether or not it contains asbestos before beginning any work. This is where an asbestos survey comes in.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or property to determine whether or not it contains asbestos. There are two main types of asbestos survey: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

A management survey is designed to locate asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during normal occupancy or through maintenance work. This survey is non-intrusive and does not require any destructive investigation.

In contrast, refurbishment/demolition surveys are required when more extensive work is planned, such as the removal of a building or major refurbishment works. These surveys are intrusive and involve destructive investigation, such as taking samples of materials to determine whether they contain asbestos.

Do You Need A License To Carry Out An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

In the UK, anyone who carries out work with asbestos is required by law to hold the appropriate license. This includes individuals or companies who carry out asbestos surveys. There are three types of asbestos license, which are issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):

• Non-licensed work This type of work involves asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed. This work can be carried out by anyone who is trained and competent.
• Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) This type of work involves asbestos-containing materials that are in poor condition, or in a location where they are likely to be disturbed. NNLW can only be carried out by someone who has undergone a specific level of training and hold an NNLW license.
• Licensed work This type of work involves the removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials that are friable (easily crumbled) or in poor condition. Licensed work can only be carried out by someone who holds a specific level of training and holds a license issued by the HSE.

If you are considering carrying out an asbestos survey in Devon, it is essential to determine whether or not you require a license to do so. If you are unsure, you should contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for advice.

What Are The Risks Of Working With Asbestos?

Asbestos presents several risks to anyone who works with or disturbs it. The most significant risk is the inhalation of asbestos fibers, which can cause severe damage to the lungs and potentially lead to cancer or other respiratory diseases.

Asbestos fibers can also be ingested through the mouth. This can occur when workers eat or drink in a contaminated area, or if they fail to remove asbestos dust from their clothing before eating or drinking.

Asbestos fibers are also easily spread through the air, and if they are not adequately contained during work, they can present a risk to anyone in the vicinity of the work.

Ultimately, the risks associated with asbestos are severe, and it is essential to take every precaution necessary to protect yourself and others.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos survey company located in Devon, South West England. We offer a range of asbestos services, including surveys, testing, removal, and management plans. Our team of experienced and accredited experts is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality service, and we are committed to ensuring that all work we carry out is done safely and responsibly.

We use the latest technologies and techniques to ensure that our surveys are accurate and comprehensive, and we work closely with our clients to understand their specific requirements and provide tailored solutions that meet their needs and budget.

If you are looking for an experienced and trusted asbestos survey company in Devon, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Conclusion

Carrying out an asbestos survey is essential if you are planning on carrying out any work on a building that may contain asbestos. If you are located in Devon, South West England, it is vital to ensure that any work you carry out is done safely and in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are an experienced and trustworthy asbestos survey company who can help you to determine whether or not you need a license to carry out an asbestos survey. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to find out more about our services and how we can help you.