How Is Asbestos Surveying Carried Out In Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that was widely used as a building material in the UK until the 1990s. It is highly toxic and can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. As such, it is important to identify and safely remove any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are present in buildings. The best way to do this is through asbestos surveying, which is the process of locating and assessing the condition of ACMs. This article will explain how asbestos surveying is carried out in Devon and what it entails.

What Is Asbestos Surveying?

Asbestos surveying involves a systematic inspection of a building to determine the presence and condition of ACMs. The survey aims to identify where asbestos is located, what type of asbestos it is, and how much of it there is. This information is used to create an asbestos register and management plan, which spells out how the asbestos is to be managed or removed if necessary.

There are two main types of asbestos survey:

Management survey

A management survey is the standard type of survey and is required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It is carried out to identify the presence, type, condition, and extent of ACMs in a building, and to assess the risk of exposure. The survey will usually involve sampling and analysis of suspect materials, as well as visual inspections and documentation of the findings.

Refurbishment/demolition survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place in a building. It is more intrusive than a management survey, and involves destructive testing to access areas that may be hidden or inaccessible. The survey is designed to identify all ACMs in the building, including those that may be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition work.

Why Is Asbestos Surveying Necessary?

Asbestos surveying is necessary to protect people from the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos. The presence of ACMs in a building is not necessarily a problem in itself, as long as they are in good condition and are not likely to be disturbed. However, if the ACMs are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos surveying is also required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulations require duty holders (such as building owners or managers) to:

• Take reasonable steps to identify the presence of ACMs in their buildings
• Assess the condition of the ACMs
• Prepare a written plan on how the ACMs will be managed or removed if necessary
• Provide information on the location and condition of the ACMs to anyone who is likely to work or disturb them

How Is Asbestos Surveying Carried Out?

Asbestos surveying is a complex and specialized process that should only be carried out by suitably trained and qualified professionals. In Devon, there are several companies that provide asbestos surveying services, including Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Here is a brief rundown of how the survey is carried out:

Pre-survey

Before the survey takes place, the surveyor will carry out a pre-survey. This involves gathering information about the building, such as its age, construction type, and any known history of asbestos-containing materials. The surveyor will also need to know why the survey is being carried out (e.g. for refurbishment or demolition), so that they can tailor the survey to the specific needs of the client.

Inspection

The surveyor will then carry out a comprehensive inspection of the building, including all accessible areas such as roofs, walls, ceilings, and floors. The surveyor will also inspect any service ducts, ceiling voids, and other areas where ACMs are likely to be found.

Sampling

During the inspection, the surveyor will take samples of any suspect materials that are identified. The samples will be sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will identify the type of asbestos (if present), its condition, and its friability (i.e. how easily it can release fibers when disturbed).

Report

Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will compile a report that contains detailed information about the location, type, and condition of any ACMs that were found. The report will also identify any areas of the building where further investigation or sampling is required, as well as any recommendations for the management or removal of the ACMs.

How Much Does Asbestos Surveying Cost In Devon?

The cost of asbestos surveying varies depending on the size and complexity of the building, as well as the type of survey required. As a general rule, a management survey will cost less than a refurbishment/demolition survey, as it is less invasive.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer competitive prices for asbestos surveying in Devon. Our fees depend on the size and complexity of the building, but we are committed to providing affordable and transparent pricing.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveying is a vital process for identifying and managing ACMs in buildings. It is required by law in the UK, and should only be carried out by qualified and experienced professionals. If you need asbestos surveying services in Devon, get in touch with Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our team of expert surveyors will provide you with a comprehensive and cost-effective survey that will keep you and your building safe from the dangers of asbestos.