How Do You Know If You Need an Asbestos Survey in Devon?

Are you a property owner or a landlord in Devon? Do you know if your building contains asbestos? If not, it is important for you to get an asbestos survey conducted to ensure the safety of everyone working or living in the building. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, especially when the fibers are inhaled. Therefore, it is very important to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the importance of asbestos surveys, especially in the South West England area. We are an asbestos survey company in Devon that provides affordable and efficient asbestos surveys to ensure that you are aware of any ACMs in your building. In this article, we will discuss the importance of asbestos surveys, types of asbestos surveys, and areas that require surveys in Devon.

What is Asbestos, and Why Is it a Concern?

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that is found in rocks and soil. It was widely used in the construction industry in the UK until the late 80s/early 90s. Due to its strength, insulation properties, and fire resistance, asbestos was used in many building materials such as insulation boards, ceiling tiles, roof sheets, and much more.

However, asbestos is now known to be harmful to human health. The fibers of asbestos are tiny, and when they are disturbed, they can become airborne easily. When these fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause damage to the lungs, leading to serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

As a result, the UK government banned the use of asbestos in new buildings in 1999. If your building was constructed before 2000, there is a high chance that it contains asbestos. Therefore, it is important to get an asbestos survey to identify any ACMs in your building.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey involves a trained professional coming to your building to identify any ACMs. The surveyor will collect samples of suspected ACMs and send them to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory results will determine whether the material contains asbestos or not.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

Management surveys are a mandatory requirement for all non-domestic buildings. They are used to identify any ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or repairs. The surveyor will inspect the building and take samples of any suspected ACMs. The survey will also include an assessment of the condition of the ACMs and provide a management plan to ensure that they are managed safely.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are required when the building is to be demolished or refurbished. This type of survey is more intrusive than a management survey, as it involves destructive inspection to gain access to areas that could be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition process. The surveyor will take samples of all suspected ACMs, including those that are difficult to access. Demolition and refurbishment surveys must be conducted by a surveyor with a special license.

Which Areas of Your Building Require an Asbestos Survey?

As mentioned above, if your building was constructed before 2000, it is likely to contain ACMs. Therefore, to ensure that everyone who occupies or works in your building is safe, it is important to get an asbestos survey conducted.

There are various areas in your building that may contain ACMs, including:

Walls and Ceilings

ACMs may be present in decorative coatings, textured finishes, and wallpapers. If these areas are disturbed during renovation or maintenance, the fibers of asbestos can become airborne and are easily inhaled.

Basements

Asbestos was used in basement wall and ceiling tiles, pipes, and boiler insulation. Due to the damp and damp conditions of basements, asbestos fibers can be released more easily and can pose a serious threat to health.

Roofing

Roofing is one of the main areas that contain ACMs. Asbestos was used in roofing materials such as cement sheets, shingles, and insulating boards. If these materials are disturbed during maintenance or repair work, the fibers can easily become airborne.

Flooring

Asbestos was used in vinyl tiles, carpets, and adhesives. If you are planning on replacing your flooring, it is essential to get an asbestos survey conducted.

Pipework

Asbestos was used to insulate pipework, especially in heating systems. This type of insulation was often used to cover boilers and pipes, and if it becomes damaged, the fibers of asbestos can become airborne.

Contact Us for an Affordable Asbestos Survey in Devon

Getting an asbestos survey conducted is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone living or working in your building. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide affordable and efficient asbestos surveys to help you identify any ACMs in your building. Our aim is to ensure that you can manage ACMs safely and without any risks to health.

To schedule a management or demolition/refurbishment asbestos survey, please call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information about our services.

Don't risk the health of your tenants, employees, or yourself. Get an asbestos survey today.