How Often Do I Need An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a harmful material that was widely used in the building and construction industries up until the mid-1980s. It was used extensively because of its fire-resistant and insulating properties, but it was later discovered that the tiny fibres that made up the material could cause significant health problems, particularly in the lungs.

Realising the danger asbestos posed, the UK government introduced strict regulations governing the use of asbestos, its maintenance and removal. One of the most important regulations for building owners and managers is the requirement to conduct asbestos surveys.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are an asbestos survey company in Devon, specialising in the safe removal of asbestos from buildings across the region. We understand the importance of regular asbestos surveys, and in this article, well explore how often you should have an asbestos survey, why such surveys are necessary, and the fees involved.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in building materials before the mid-1980s. The main appeal of asbestos was its excellent insulating and fire-resistant properties, making it particularly useful for insulation, roofing, and flooring.

However, asbestos poses a significant health risk to humans when its fibres are inhaled. Over time, the fibres can build up in the lungs, causing respiratory problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The Need for Asbestos Surveys

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a property to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. These surveys help to minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres by discovering any ACMs that may be present within a building.

UK law requires anyone who owns or manages a commercial property to ensure an asbestos survey is conducted. There are two types of asbestos survey:

• Management Survey: This survey is designed to locate, as far as reasonably practical, the presence and extent of any suspected and confirmed ACMs within a building. This survey is required for all non-domestic buildings.
• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: This type of survey is required for any building that is to be refurbished, demolished, or significantly altered.

How Often Should You Have an Asbestos Survey?

It is recommended that you have an asbestos survey conducted every two years or whenever significant building work takes place. Regular surveys are necessary to identify any ACMs present in your property and to update your ACM register.

An ACM register is a list of all asbestos-containing materials in your property, along with the risk level they pose to people. This register is essential in determining a plan of action should asbestos fibres be released into the air.

It is important to note that the frequency of asbestos surveys may vary depending on the type of building you own. For example, if you own an older building that was constructed before 1980, you may need to conduct surveys more frequently than new builds.

Why You Should Conduct Asbestos Surveys

Conducting regular asbestos surveys helps to protect people from the risks associated with asbestos. Asbestos surveys can help to identify high-risk areas within a building, ensuring that any ACMs are handled and disposed of correctly and safely.

Safely managing and removing ACMs is essential in protecting people from asbestos exposure. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause numerous respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and lung cancer.

Failing to conduct regular asbestos surveys and manage ACMs appropriately could result in significant fines and prosecution. The UK Health and Safety Executive often prosecute owners and managers of commercial properties who fail to adhere to asbestos regulations.

Asbestos Survey Fees

Asbestos survey fees depend on several factors, including the size of the property, the type of survey required, and the complexity of the building. A typical asbestos management survey can cost between 200-400.

It is important to note that these fees are significantly lower than the fines and legal fees that could result from failing to comply with asbestos regulations. Hiring a professional asbestos survey company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is the best way to ensure that your property adheres to all asbestos legislation and that your tenants health is protected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regular asbestos surveys are essential in protecting the health of building occupants and ensuring compliance with UK asbestos regulations. The frequency of surveys depends on several factors, including the type of building you own and the presence of ACMs.

If youre looking for a professional asbestos survey company in Devon, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our experienced team can handle all your asbestos-related needs, from surveys to safe removal of asbestos from your building. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or at [email protected] for more information.