How Often Do You Have to Have an Asbestos Survey in Devon?

Are you a property owner or manager in Devon, South West England, wondering how often you need to have an asbestos survey? Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction industry before its harmful effects became known. Asbestos can be found in many buildings built before the year 2000, including homes, schools, hospitals, and offices. If you are responsible for managing a property in Devon, it is your legal duty to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and manage them safely. This article will provide you with an overview of asbestos surveys, their types, and how often you should have one.

Who Are We?

We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, a company that provides full-service asbestos surveys, asbestos management plans, and asbestos removal services in Devon, South West England. Our team of experienced and certified asbestos surveyors and removal technicians are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and affordable services to our clients. We have conducted hundreds of asbestos surveys and removal projects in Devon and beyond, and we know the local regulations and best practices inside out.

What is Asbestos?

Before we dive into the topic of asbestos surveys, let's briefly discuss what asbestos is and why it is dangerous. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials due to its strength, durability, and heat resistance. Asbestos can be found in many products, such as insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, roofing materials, and more. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers can be released into the air, and if inhaled or ingested, they can cause a range of serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos-related diseases can take years or even decades to develop, and there is no known cure.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or premises to identify any materials that contain asbestos. The survey aims to locate and assess the condition of all ACMs and provide a written report of the findings. The report will include details such as the location, type, extent, and condition of any identified ACMs, as well as recommendations for their management or removal. An asbestos survey is essential for managing the risks posed by ACMs and complying with legal obligations.

What Are the Types of Asbestos Surveys?

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey and is required for all non-domestic properties built before the year 2000. The survey aims to locate and assess the condition of all ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of the building. A management survey does not usually involve destructive work, and the surveyor will only inspect areas that are reasonably accessible. The surveyor will take samples of suspected ACMs for laboratory analysis and provide a report of the findings. A management survey report should also include an asbestos register, which is a document that lists all the identified ACMs and their location, condition, and risk assessment.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

A refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive and extensive than a management survey and is required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. The survey aims to locate and assess the condition of all ACMs that could be disturbed by the proposed work. A refurbishment/demolition survey may require destructive work, such as drilling holes and breaking through walls, to access all areas of the building. The surveyor will take samples of suspected ACMs for laboratory analysis and provide a report of the findings. A refurbishment/demolition survey report should also include an asbestos register, which is a document that lists all the identified ACMs and their location, condition, and risk assessment.

How Often Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

The frequency of asbestos surveys depends on the type, age, and condition of the property, as well as its use and occupancy. Here are some general guidelines:

Management Surveys

A management survey is typically valid for up to five years, or until there is a significant change in the condition of the building or its use. However, if there is reason to believe that there may be ACMs in areas that were not surveyed previously or if there is damage or disturbance to the building fabric, a new survey may be required sooner.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

A refurbishment/demolition survey is only valid for the proposed renovation or demolition work and does not replace the need for a management survey. However, if a refurbishment/demolition survey identifies ACMs that were not previously known, a new management survey may be required to update the asbestos register and manage the risks appropriately.

Why Do You Need to Manage Asbestos?

Managing asbestos is not only a legal duty but also a moral responsibility. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are well-documented, and it is estimated that asbestos-related diseases cause around 5000 deaths a year in the UK alone. As a property owner or manager, you are responsible for the health and safety of anyone who may come into contact with ACMs on your premises, including employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public. Failing to manage asbestos properly can result in fines, legal action, reputational damage, and, most importantly, harm to people's health.

How Can We Help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer a range of asbestos services tailored to your needs and budget. Our asbestos surveyors are certified by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and have years of experience in conducting surveys for all types of buildings and premises. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to locate and sample ACMs, and our reports are clear, concise, and easy to understand. We can also provide you with an asbestos management plan that sets out how to manage ACMs safely and comply with legal obligations.

If we find any ACMs that need to be removed, our asbestos removal team will use safe and efficient methods to remove the materials and dispose of them in accordance with local regulations. We will provide you with a certificate of reoccupation that confirms the area is safe to use again.

Contact Us

If you need an asbestos survey or any other asbestos-related service in Devon, South West England, contact us today. You can reach us by phone at 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and read testimonials from our satisfied clients. Don't wait until it's too late to manage asbestos call us today and stay safe.