How Long Are Asbestos Surveys Valid For In Devon?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the importance of asbestos surveys for the safety of your property and those who live or work inside. Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause fatal respiratory diseases, and therefore, it's essential to have a proper assessment of your premises. As a reputable asbestos survey company in Devon, we frequently receive questions about the validity of asbestos surveys. This article will discuss how long asbestos surveys are valid for in Devon, so you can ensure your building's safety.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

Before discussing the validity of asbestos surveys, it's crucial to understand why you might need one. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry before its ban in 1999. If your building was constructed before this date or underwent significant refurbishments before 2000, it may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials can include insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and cement. If the ACMs are disturbed, they can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air, leading to fatal respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires building owners and managers to identify ACMs and manage their risks. Asbestos surveys are the preferred method of identifying and managing the presence of ACMs in buildings. The survey will assess the type, condition, and location of the ACMs and provide recommendations for their safe management or removal.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys come in two types: Management Surveys and Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys.

Management Surveys

Management Surveys are designed to locate the presence of ACMs in the building and assess their condition. The survey will identify any materials that could potentially release asbestos fibers into the air and provide a risk assessment. A Management Survey is required if you need to manage ACMs in your premises or if you are the duty holder of a non-domestic property. The survey should also include a plan for managing the ACMs.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys are more intrusive than Management Surveys and are usually undertaken before major refurbishment or demolition work. The survey will identify all ACMs in the area that will be disturbed and assess their condition. The results of the Refurbishment/Demolition Survey will inform the safe removal of the ACMs before any work is carried out.

How Long Are Asbestos Surveys Valid For?

Asbestos surveys do not have an expiration date, but they are not indefinite. According to HSE guidance, the validity of an asbestos survey will depend on several factors, including the age of the survey, the condition of the building, and any changes to the building or ACMs. Therefore, building owners and managers are highly encouraged to review and update their asbestos surveys regularly.

If there are no changes to the building or ACMs, the Management Survey should be reviewed every two years to check its accuracy. Suppose there are significant changes to the building or ACMs, such as a major renovation or demolition. In that case, a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey should be conducted to assess the new risk. This survey is necessary even if a Management Survey was conducted recently, and the building has no ACMs.

Why Do You Need to Update Your Asbestos Survey?

An out-of-date asbestos survey can lead to serious risks for the occupants of a building. If the survey is not updated, it may not accurately reflect the current state of the ACMs, and the risk assessment will be based on outdated information. This can result in a failure to manage the risks effectively, leading to an increased likelihood of exposure to asbestos fibers.

Updating your asbestos survey is also essential for legal compliance. As the duty holder of a building, you are responsible for managing the risks associated with ACMs. Failure to follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 could result in severe consequences such as fines, imprisonment or legal action.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are essential for managing the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials in buildings. While asbestos surveys do not have an expiry date, it's crucial to review and update them regularly to ensure their accuracy. The frequency of updates depends on several factors and can range from every two years to every time there's a significant change to the building or ACMs. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality asbestos surveys that keep your building and occupants safe. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for further advice or to arrange a survey.