How Frequently Should Surveys of Asbestos Condition be Carried Out in Devon?

Asbestos, a hazardous mineral, has been used in building materials for decades. Though the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it still presents a significant health risk. Therefore, surveys of asbestos condition are key in preventing exposure to this dangerous material.

If you own or manage a building in Devon, it is important to know the frequency in which an asbestos survey should be carried out. As a dedicated asbestos survey company in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon aims to provide you with all the necessary information on asbestos surveys, management and why they are necessary.

We offer our services in Devon and South West England, and we can be reached by phone at 01962 458066 or email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk, for more information about our services.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos commonly occurs naturally in soil, and it was extensively used in the building industry for its heat-retardant and fire-resistant properties. The mineral was widely used between the 1950s to the 1980s in materials such as insulation, roofing, pipes and wall cladding.

Asbestos fibres are microscopic, which makes it easy for them to be inhaled, penetrating deep within the lungs. This can lead to severe lung diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, an asbestos-related lung condition. Medical research shows that Asbestos is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the UK.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are crucial to understanding the presence, location and condition of asbestos in your building. There are two types of asbestos surveys - Management Survey and Refurbishment/Demolition Survey.

A Management Survey identifies asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building or premises believed to contain asbestos. This would typically include an assessment of the condition of the ACMs and any probability of disturbance to those materials. A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey, as the name suggests, is carried out during a refurbishment or demolition project.

Why are Asbestos Surveys Necessary?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 mandates that an asbestos survey should be carried out on any building, or part of a building, that was built or refurbished before 2000. The regulations recommend that asbestos management surveys should be conducted on a periodic basis to ensure that any changes to the building and/or its use do not present new risks.

Additionally, an asbestos survey helps to fulfill the legal obligation of a Duty Holder under the Control of Asbestos Regulations to manage asbestos present in buildings or parts of buildings. The purpose of this is to protect any person working in or visiting the premises from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres.

Asbestos surveys provide invaluable information to those responsible for building maintenance and estate management. They enable them to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on their premises, plan for and manage any necessary remedial work and, importantly, ensure the safety and well-being of all those in and around the building.

How Frequently Should Asbestos Surveys be Carried Out in Devon?

An asbestos management survey should be carried out regularly, especially if there has been a change in the building's use or occupancy. Ideally, we advise that surveys should be carried out at least every two years, with the survey's frequency adjusted according to the results of the survey and other factors such as the age and condition of the building.

It is important to note that the frequency of an asbestos survey would be required for buildings of different ages. For instance, an older building may require more frequent surveys than a newer building. The condition of the building materials can also influence the frequency of asbestos surveys.

Conclusion

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey company in Devon. We offer comprehensive asbestos surveys to ensure that any ACMS in your building are identified, managed and, if necessary, remediated to ensure the safety of all those occupying the premises.

As a building owner or occupier, it is your responsibility to ensure that your building complies with the Control of Asbestos Regulations. We recommend frequent asbestos surveys to ensure that your building remains safe for all those who enter it.

If you have any queries about the content of this landing page or require an asbestos survey, please contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon via telephone at 01962 458066 or email at [email protected], and we will be happy to provide you with the necessary guidance and support you might require.