How Often Does An Asbestos Survey Need Conducting In Devon?

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in construction due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it has been found to be a dangerous and toxic substance that can cause severe health complications, including cancer, if inhaled. As a result, strict regulations have been put in place to control the use, disposal, and management of asbestos in the UK.

If you own or manage a building in Devon, it is essential to understand the requirements for asbestos surveys and management. As a leading asbestos survey company in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is here to provide expert guidance and support on this topic.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is made up of tiny fibers that can easily become airborne when disturbed. These fibers can cause serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, when inhaled. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s until the 1990s, and it can be found in many different building materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and ceiling tiles.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Required?

An asbestos survey is required to identify and assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. The survey will determine the condition of the ACMs and whether they pose a risk to health. The survey will also provide recommendations for managing or removing any identified ACMs to ensure that they do not pose a risk to occupants or workers in the building.

In the UK, there are two types of asbestos surveys: Management surveys and Demolition or Refurbishment surveys.

Management Survey

A Management Survey is the standard asbestos survey that is required for all non-domestic buildings. The survey is carried out to identify the presence, location, and extent of ACMs within a building. The survey will also assess the condition of the ACMs and their potential to release fibers into the air. The survey will provide a management plan detailing how the ACMs will be managed to prevent exposure to occupants or workers in the building.

Demolition or Refurbishment Survey

A Demolition or Refurbishment survey is required when a building is due to be demolished, or a major refurbishment is planned. The survey is carried out to identify all ACMs within the building, including those that may not have been identified during a Management Survey. The survey will provide recommendations for the safe removal of all ACMs before the demolition or refurbishment work begins.

How Often Does An Asbestos Survey Need Conducting?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that all non-domestic buildings constructed before 2000 have an asbestos survey carried out to identify and manage any ACMs on the premises. The regulations do not specify how often an asbestos survey needs carrying out, but they do recommend that the survey be regularly reviewed and updated.

The frequency of asbestos surveys will depend on several factors, including the condition of the existing ACMs, the use of the building, and any changes or refurbishments that have been carried out.

In general, a Management Survey should be carried out every two to three years, or when there are any significant changes to the building's fabric or usage. Examples of changes that may trigger an asbestos survey include:

• Change of ownership or management
• Planned refurbishment or demolition works
• Damage or deterioration of the building's fabric
• Changes to the usage of the building

A Demolition or Refurbishment survey should be carried out before any demolition or major refurbishment work is undertaken on a building.

Who Can Carry Out an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are carried out by qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors who have undergone relevant training and accreditation. When selecting an asbestos surveyor, it is essential to ensure that they have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge, and experience to carry out the survey correctly and safely.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has a team of fully qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors who can carry out Management and Demolition or Refurbishment surveys throughout Devon and the South West of England.

Health and Safety When Carrying Out Surveys

The health and safety of the surveyor and occupants of the building must be paramount when carrying out an asbestos survey. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon's team of surveyors follow strict protocols and guidelines to ensure that all surveys are carried out safely and with minimal disruption to the building's occupants.

All surveys are carried out in accordance with HSE guidance and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The surveyor will take all necessary precautions to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air during the surveying process. The surveyor will also take samples of any suspected ACMs for laboratory analysis.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey company in Devon, with over 20 years' experience in the industry. We have a team of fully qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors who can carry out Management and Demolition or Refurbishment surveys throughout the South West of England.

Our asbestos surveys are carried out in accordance with HSE guidance and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. We follow strict protocols and guidelines to ensure that all surveys are carried out safely and with minimal disruption to your building.

We provide a comprehensive report following each survey, detailing the location and condition of any identified ACMs and providing recommendations for their management or removal.

Contact Us

If you require an asbestos survey in Devon, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our team of surveyors will be happy to provide expert guidance on the requirements for asbestos surveys and management.

Call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk, to learn more about our services and to book an asbestos survey.