Does An Asbestos Survey Need To Be Carried Out Yearly In Devon

Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that was commonly used in construction materials before its harmful effects on human health were known. Asbestos exposure can lead to a range of serious and life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

As a result, the government has implemented strict regulations around the management of asbestos in buildings and premises. One of these regulations requires regular asbestos surveys to be carried out to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may pose a risk to human health.

In this article, we will explore whether an asbestos survey needs to be carried out yearly in Devon, and how Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you with your asbestos management duties.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building or property to identify any ACMs that may be present. There are two types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management Survey

A management survey is a systematic and regular examination of building materials and premises to identify asbestos-containing materials. The purpose of this survey is to locate any ACMs that may be disturbed during normal activities or routine maintenance work.

2. Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work takes place. The purpose of this survey is to locate any ACMs that may be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition work.

When Is An Asbestos Survey Required?

If you are a duty holder, which includes anyone who owns or manages non-domestic premises, you have a legal responsibility to manage any asbestos in your building or property. This includes:

• Identifying any ACMs that may be present
• Assessing the risk of those ACMs
• Preparing a plan to manage that risk
• Taking necessary steps to put that plan into action

One of the steps you are required to take is to carry out an asbestos survey. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that an asbestos survey must be carried out when:

• ACMs are likely to be present
• The premises or part of it are to be refurbished or demolished
• You have reason to believe that there are ACMs in the premises and you do not have an up-to-date survey

As a duty holder, it is your responsibility to ensure that your asbestos management plan is up-to-date and that any asbestos surveys are carried out regularly to identify any changes that may impact the risk assessment.

Does An Asbestos Survey Need To Be Carried Out Yearly?

There is no legal requirement for an asbestos survey to be carried out yearly. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that asbestos management plans are reviewed and updated regularly, and that surveys are carried out at least once every two years.

If there have been any changes to the building or premises that could impact the risk assessment, such as refurbishment or changes to the use of the building, then an asbestos survey should be carried out to assess the new risk.

If you are unsure whether an asbestos survey is required, we recommend contacting a professional asbestos survey company for advice.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon - Your Asbestos Survey Company in Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Devon, providing comprehensive asbestos management services to help you protect your building or property, and the people who use it.

Our team of accredited asbestos surveyors has extensive experience in carrying out both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys, and can help you identify any ACMs that may be present and advise you on the most effective and cost-efficient way to manage them.

We understand that managing asbestos in your building or property can be a daunting task, but we are here to help. Our team can work with you to develop a tailored asbestos management plan that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no legal requirement for an asbestos survey to be carried out yearly in Devon, regular surveys are recommended to ensure that your asbestos management plan is up-to-date, and any changes that may impact the risk assessment are identified.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to helping you manage your asbestos duties, providing high-quality and affordable asbestos survey services to help you protect your building, property, and the people who use it.

Contact us today to discuss your asbestos management needs and get a quote for our services. Call us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].