How Often Is An Asbestos Survey Needed In Devon?

If you own a property in Devon or the South West of England, you may be wondering if you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in construction until the 1990s. It is a known carcinogen that can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious health problems. As a result, it is important to know if your property contains any asbestos and to have it safely removed if necessary.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Devon. We specialize in providing affordable and reliable asbestos survey and management services to properties of all sizes. In this landing page, we will discuss the importance of asbestos surveys, when they are required, and how often they should be conducted.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction materials due to their heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing properties. Asbestos was commonly found in building materials such as ceiling tiles, insulation, roofing, flooring, and pipes. While asbestos is no longer used in construction, many buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that were installed before the ban.

Asbestos can be dangerous when it becomes airborne, such as during renovation or demolition work. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to a variety of lung diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos-related diseases can take years, if not decades, to develop, so it is important to take precautions and have asbestos surveys conducted if you suspect that your property may contain ACMs.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or property to determine if there are any ACMs present. The survey involves taking samples of suspected materials and testing them in a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos. The survey should be conducted by a licensed professional who is trained in asbestos surveying and management.

There are two types of surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that is designed to locate ACMs that may be disturbed during normal occupation and maintenance of a building. A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is conducted prior to any major renovation or demolition work. The survey is designed to locate and identify all ACMs that may be disturbed during the work.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are important because they help to identify the presence of ACMs in a building. Knowing if there is asbestos present is important for several reasons:

Health and Safety

The primary reason to conduct an asbestos survey is to protect the health and safety of the building occupants. If ACMs are present and are disturbed, the asbestos fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. This can lead to serious health problems, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Legal Requirements

Asbestos surveys are also required by law in some cases. For example, if you are a landlord and you rent out a property, you are required to provide a safe living environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring that there are no hazardous materials present, such as asbestos. Similarly, if you are planning to do any renovation or demolition work on a property, you are required to conduct a refurbishment/demolition survey to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the work.

Property Value

Finally, knowing if there is asbestos present in a building can affect the property value. If there is asbestos present, it may be necessary to have it removed before the property can be sold. This can be a costly process, so it is important to know if there are any asbestos-containing materials present before putting the property on the market.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

Asbestos surveys are required in a variety of situations. Some of the most common situations include:

Before Renovation or Demolition

If you are planning to do any renovation or demolition work on a property, you are required to conduct a refurbishment/demolition survey to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the work. This survey is required by law and must be conducted by a licensed professional.

When Renting Out a Property

If you are a landlord and you rent out a property, you are required to provide a safe living environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring that there are no hazardous materials present, such as asbestos. You may be required to conduct an asbestos survey before renting out the property.

When Buying or Selling a Property

As mentioned earlier, knowing if there is asbestos present in a building can affect the property value. If you are buying or selling a property, it is important to know if there are any ACMs present. This can be done by conducting an asbestos survey.

When Undisturbed ACMs are Discovered

If you discover undisturbed ACMs in a building, it is important to have an asbestos survey conducted to determine if they pose a risk. The survey can help to identify the type of asbestos-containing materials present, the condition of the materials, and whether or not they need to be removed.

How Often Should You Conduct an Asbestos Survey?

The frequency of asbestos surveys depends on several factors, including the age of the building, the type of building materials used, and the condition of the materials. As a general rule, it is recommended that a management survey is conducted every 2-3 years.

However, if major renovation or demolition work is planned, a refurbishment/demolition survey is required. Additionally, if there are any changes to the building or the building materials, such as a new roof or the removal of walls, a new survey should be conducted.

If there is any doubt about the presence of asbestos in a building, it is best to have an asbestos survey conducted. This can help to identify any potential hazards and can ensure that everyone in the building is safe and healthy.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are an important part of managing a property. They help to identify the presence of ACMs, which can pose a serious health risk if disturbed. Asbestos surveys are required in a variety of situations, including before renovation or demolition work, when renting out a property, when buying or selling a property, and when undisturbed ACMs are discovered.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Devon. Our team of licensed professionals can conduct both management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys to identify any potential hazards in your building. If you suspect that your property may contain ACMs, don't hesitate to give us a call at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an asbestos survey. Your health and safety are our top priority!