How Is A Refurbishment Asbestos Survey Carried Out In Devon

Asbestos is a potentially harmful substance that was widely used in buildings until the late 1990s. It was commonly used as a fire-resistant component of building materials, but research has shown that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause cancer and other serious health problems. Therefore, it is essential to carry out asbestos surveys in buildings, especially those that are being refurbished or demolished.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted asbestos survey company in Devon. We have been providing our services to Devon and the South West of England for several years. Our team of experienced asbestos surveyors has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that all asbestos surveys are carried out in compliance with current health and safety regulations. Here is how we carry out refurbishment asbestos surveys in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. It is composed of tiny fibers that can become airborne and easily inhaled. These fibers can lodge themselves in the lungs, leading to serious health problems like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos was used extensively in construction and building materials for several decades. It was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other components of buildings. However, after research showed the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in many countries.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Necessary?

If you are planning a refurbishment or demolition project in Devon, it is essential to carry out an asbestos survey. The survey will identify if there is any asbestos-containing material (ACM) present in the building. This information is crucial, as it will determine the course of action that needs to be taken to remove or manage the asbestos.

If you fail to carry out an asbestos survey and there is asbestos present in the building, you could be putting the health of workers and occupants of the building at risk. Furthermore, failing to comply with legislation could result in hefty fines and legal action.

What is a Refurbishment Asbestos Survey?

A refurbishment asbestos survey is a type of asbestos survey that is carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. A refurbishment survey is used to identify any asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during the refurbishment work.

The survey aims to locate all ACM in the building, identify the type of asbestos present, and assess the condition of the ACM. The survey report will then provide recommendations on how to safely manage or remove the ACM.

How Do We Carry Out a Refurbishment Asbestos Survey in Devon?

1. Plan the Survey

Before carrying out the survey, we plan the survey to ensure that it is completed safely, efficiently, and thoroughly. This involves developing a survey strategy, deciding on the number and location of samples to be taken, and assessing any potential hazards.

2. Determine Access

We determine the level of access required to complete the survey. This involves identifying any areas that are difficult to access, such as attics, crawl spaces, or wall cavities. We also look at areas that may need to be accessed during the refurbishment work.

3. Conduct a Visual Inspection

We conduct a thorough visual inspection of the building, looking for any visible signs of asbestos-containing materials. We also examine any maintenance or repair records to identify any areas that may contain asbestos.

4. Take Samples

We take samples of any materials that we suspect may contain asbestos. This involves carefully removing a small section of the material and packaging it in a leak-proof container for laboratory testing.

5. Laboratory Testing

We send the samples taken from the building to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will test the samples to determine if asbestos is present and, if so, the type of asbestos.

6. Survey Report

We compile all the information collected during the survey and laboratory testing into a comprehensive report. The report provides details of any asbestos-containing materials found, including their location, type, and condition. The report also provides recommendations on how the asbestos should be managed or removed.

7. Asbestos Register

If asbestos is present in the building, we add it to the asbestos register. The asbestos register is a legal document that contains information about the location, type, condition, and management of any asbestos-containing materials present in a building.

Conclusion

If you are planning a refurbishment or demolition project in Devon, it is vital to carry out a refurbishment asbestos survey. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide you with a professional and comprehensive survey that complies with all health and safety regulations.

Our team of experienced asbestos surveyors has the expertise to carry out surveys in all types of buildings, from commercial to residential. Contact us today to book your survey on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. For more information on our services, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.