How Long Does It Take To Get Asbestos Test Results In Devon?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in buildings until the 1980s. It can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, if it is released into the air and inhaled. As a result, it is important to have buildings tested for asbestos and, if necessary, removed.

If you need to have asbestos testing done in Devon, you may be wondering how long it takes to get the results. In this article, we will explore the process of asbestos testing, what you can expect, and how long it typically takes to get results.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted asbestos testing company that serves the Devon area. Our team of experienced professionals is fully licensed and insured. We offer affordable asbestos testing and removal services to customers throughout Devon and the South West of England.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand that the safety of your family, employees or tenants is of utmost importance. That's why we are committed to providing high-quality and reliable testing services that you can trust.

The Importance of Asbestos Testing

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Although the use of asbestos has been banned in the UK, many older buildings still contain it, and it must be removed before renovations or demolition can take place.

Asbestos is not harmful when it is left undisturbed, but it can become dangerous if it is damaged or deteriorates over time. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your building, it is important to have it tested to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the building.

The Asbestos Survey

The first step in the asbestos testing process is to conduct an asbestos survey. This survey involves a thorough inspection of the building to determine the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

The survey may be conducted by a licensed asbestos surveyor or by an experienced and trained professional who has undergone the correct training. During the survey, the professional will take samples of any suspicious materials and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

The Asbestos Sample

The asbestos sample is a small piece of the material suspected to contain asbestos. The sample is taken during the survey and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we use a UKAS-accredited laboratory to analyse our samples. UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the national accreditation body for the United Kingdom, and their accreditation ensures that the laboratory meets certain standards of quality.

The Asbestos Testing

The asbestos testing process involves the analysis of the samples taken during the survey. The laboratory will use specialised equipment to identify the presence and type of asbestos in the sample.

The type of testing that is used will depend on the suspected presence or absence of asbestos, the type of material being tested, and the reason for the testing. The most common type of testing involves the use of polarised light microscopy (PLM), which identifies the presence of asbestos fibres under a microscope.

The Asbestos Results

Once the laboratory has completed the testing, they will prepare a report which details their findings. The report will detail the type of asbestos (if present), the concentration of asbestos in the sample, and any recommendations for management or removal.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide our customers with a detailed report outlining the results of the asbestos testing that has been completed. This report is essential for determining the next steps for management or removal of the asbestos-containing material.

How Long Does It Take to Get Asbestos Test Results in Devon?

The time it takes to receive asbestos test results in Devon can vary depending on a number of factors.

Typically, the asbestos survey can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the building. After the survey, the samples taken will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, which can take a few days to a week.

Once the laboratory has completed their analysis, they will send the results to the asbestos testing company. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we will then prepare a detailed report outlining the results of the testing.

In general, you can expect to receive the results of the asbestos testing within 1-2 weeks of the initial survey. If the laboratory needs to conduct additional testing or if the results are complex, it may take longer to receive the final report.

What Materials Need to be Tested for Asbestos?

Asbestos was commonly used in a variety of building materials, including insulation, flooring, and ceiling tiles. Any material that was manufactured before 2000 may contain asbestos, and should be tested if it is suspected to be present.

Materials that commonly contain asbestos include:

• Insulation
• Flooring
• Ceiling tiles
• Roofing materials (including roof shingles and flashing)
• Siding
• Textured paint and coatings
• Asbestos-cement products (such as pipes and corrugated sheets)
• Fireproof materials (including doors, curtains, and partitions)

If you suspect that any of the materials in your building may contain asbestos, it is important to have them tested to ensure the safety of your building's occupants.

Conclusion

Asbestos testing is an essential part of ensuring the safety of any building that may contain asbestos. The testing process involves an asbestos survey, the collection of samples, and the analysis of those samples in a specialised laboratory.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the importance of asbestos testing and removal. We offer affordable testing services to our customers throughout Devon and the South West of England, using the latest equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable testing results.

If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your building, don't hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our team of experienced professionals will be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a quote for asbestos testing and removal services.