Does A Commercial Landlord Have To Provide An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a substance that was commonly used in the construction industry up until the late 1990s. However, it's now known to be a dangerous carcinogen that can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Due to the risks that asbestos poses to human health, it's important to identify where it's present and take steps to remove it safely.

If you're a commercial landlord in Devon, it's important to understand your responsibilities when it comes to asbestos. Specifically, do you have to provide an asbestos survey on your property? In this article, we'll explore this topic in more detail and provide a comprehensive guide to your obligations as a commercial landlord in Devon.

What is an asbestos survey?

Before we dive into the specific question of whether a commercial landlord needs to provide an asbestos survey, it's important to first understand what an asbestos survey is.

An asbestos survey is a thorough examination of a property to identify if there is any asbestos present. The survey is typically carried out by a specialist surveyor who will inspect all areas of a property, including any voids, attics, basements and outside areas.

The survey will identify whether there is any asbestos present, where it is located, what type of asbestos it is and how much of it is present. In addition to this, the survey will identify the condition of the asbestos, as it's usually only when asbestos-containing materials become damaged or deteriorate that they pose a risk to human health.

Once an asbestos survey has been carried out, the results will be documented in a report which will provide information on the location and condition of the asbestos. This report can then be used to inform decisions around asbestos management and removal.

What are the risks of asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, which can cause scarring and inflammation over time.

Exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of ways but is most common during the repair or renovation of older buildings. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they release fibers into the air, which can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. It's important to note that symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take several decades to manifest, which means that workers may have been exposed to the dangerous fibers many years ago and only now be experiencing symptoms.

What are a commercial landlord's responsibilities when it comes to asbestos?

Now that we understand what asbestos is and why it's hazardous to human health, let's turn to the specific question of whether commercial landlords in Devon need to provide an asbestos survey.

The short answer is yes, a commercial landlord in Devon is required to provide an asbestos survey if there is any risk of asbestos exposure on their premises. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require that all non-domestic premises built before 2000 are surveyed for asbestos. This means that if your commercial property was built before 2000, you are required by law to commission an asbestos survey.

The purpose of this legislation is to protect workers and members of the public from the risk of asbestos exposure. As a landlord, you have a duty of care to ensure that your premises do not pose a risk to anyone who uses them.

What are the different types of asbestos survey?

There are two types of asbestos survey that may be required, depending on the age and condition of the building. These are:

• Management survey: This is a non-intrusive survey that is designed to identify the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance. The survey does not involve destructive inspection, and only surface materials are examined. This type of survey is required if you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a building.

• Refurbishment/Demolition survey: This is a more intrusive survey that is required when a building is undergoing significant refurbishment or demolition. The survey is designed to identify all ACMs within the building, including those that may be hidden or inaccessible. The survey involves some degree of destructive inspection, as the surveyor will need to access voids and hard-to-reach areas.

What should a commercial landlord do if asbestos is found on their premises?

If an asbestos survey identifies the presence of asbestos on your commercial property in Devon, you are legally obliged to take action to manage the risk. Here are the steps you should take:

• Assess the risk: The asbestos survey report will provide information on the location and condition of the asbestos. Based on this information, you should assess the level of risk posed by the asbestos to anyone who uses your premises.

• Develop a management plan: If the risk posed by the asbestos is low, you may be able to manage it in place. This will involve developing a management plan that outlines how you will monitor and maintain the asbestos to prevent exposure. If the risk is higher, you may need to arrange for the safe removal of the asbestos.

• Arrange for removal: If the asbestos needs to be removed, you must ensure that this is done by a licensed asbestos removal company. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are one such company who can provide professional asbestos removal services in the South West of England.

• Notify anyone who may be at risk: If asbestos is being removed from your premises, you must notify anyone who may be at risk of exposure. This includes employees, contractors and members of the public who use your premises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, commercial landlords in Devon are legally required to provide an asbestos survey if their premises were built before 2000. An asbestos survey is a critical tool for identifying the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials within a property.

If you are a commercial landlord in Devon and you suspect that asbestos may be present on your premises, it's important to take action. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today to arrange an asbestos survey and discuss your options for managing any identified risks. We are here to help you protect the health and wellbeing of anyone who uses your premises.