Does My Refurbished Commercial Building Require An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

If you own or manage a refurbished commercial building in Devon, you may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was commonly used in construction materials until it was banned in the UK in 1999. If your building was built before this date, it is likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a trusted asbestos survey company that provides affordable and reliable asbestos surveys in Devon and the surrounding areas. In this article, we will explore the importance of asbestos surveys, the types of asbestos-containing materials you may find in your commercial building, and the benefits of managing asbestos in your property.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years or even decades to develop, so it is crucial to identify and manage asbestos in your building to protect the health of anyone who works or visits the premises.

What Are Asbestos-Containing Materials?

ACMs are materials that contain asbestos fibers. Some of the most common ACMs found in commercial buildings include:

• Asbestos cement sheets
• Asbestos insulation
• Asbestos floor tiles
• Asbestos pipe insulation
• Asbestos lagging
• Asbestos sprayed coatings
• Asbestos textured coatings

It can be difficult to identify ACMs just by looking at them, which is why an asbestos survey is necessary. An experienced asbestos surveyor will be able to take samples of suspect materials and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys that may be required for a commercial building:

Management Survey

A management survey is a straightforward and non-intrusive survey that aims to identify ACMs that may be disturbed during day-to-day activities in the building. This type of survey is suitable for buildings that are in regular use and where the ACMs are in good condition and unlikely to be damaged.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive and involves a thorough inspection of the building to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition work. This type of survey is required if any part of the building is due to be demolished or refurbished.

Benefits of Managing Asbestos in Your Property

If your commercial building contains ACMs, it is essential to manage them properly to prevent the release of dangerous fibers into the air. Some of the benefits of managing asbestos in your property include:

• Protecting the health of anyone who works or visits the premises
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Minimizing the risk of costly asbestos-related legal claims
• Avoiding delays and disruption to refurbishment or demolition projects

What Does the Law Say?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a legal duty on owners and managers of commercial buildings to manage the risks associated with asbestos. This includes carrying out asbestos surveys and producing an asbestos management plan.

If you fail to comply with these regulations, you could face legal action, fines, and even imprisonment. It is therefore essential to take asbestos management seriously and to work with a reputable asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

How Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Can Help

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are dedicated to helping you manage asbestos in your commercial building in Devon. Our experienced asbestos surveyors use the latest equipment and techniques to identify and assess ACMs in your property.

We provide both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to suit your needs, and we can help you develop an asbestos management plan that meets all legal requirements.

We understand that managing asbestos can be stressful and time-consuming, which is why we aim to make the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always on hand to answer your questions and provide guidance when you need it.

Contact Us Today

If you think your refurbished commercial building in Devon may contain asbestos, don't hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. We can provide a fast and affordable asbestos survey to give you peace of mind and help you manage the risks associated with this dangerous substance.

You can reach us by phone on 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and to request a quote.