How Often Should An Asbestos Survey Take Place In Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once widely used in construction materials due to its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. However, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure can cause serious health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings constructed before the year 2000, and that's why Asbestos surveys are an essential step in managing the risk from ACMs.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable Asbestos Survey Company In Devon, South West England, England. We've been providing top-quality asbestos survey, management, and removal services for over a decade, making us experts in this field. Our experience and in-depth knowledge enable us to provide the best possible service while keeping the costs within your budget. So, if you're looking for asbestos survey services in Devon, you've come to the right place.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is the process of examining a building to identify whether there are any ACMs present and assessing the risk that they may pose to people's health. The survey must take place by a licensed asbestos surveyor, who will provide a report detailing the findings and recommendations on how to manage them. There are two types of asbestos surveys: Management Survey and Refurbishment Demolition Survey.

Management Survey

A management survey is the standard asbestos survey that should be carried out on any premises that were built before the year 2000. The survey is designed to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs that could potentially be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance work. The management survey report will provide the property owner with guidance on how to manage or remove identified ACMs.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey should be carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place in a building. The survey is designed to identify all ACMs within the building that are likely to be disturbed during the proposed works. The report will provide the property owner with guidance on how to manage or remove identified ACMs before any proposed work takes place.

When Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you are a property owner, manager, or landlord and your building was built before the year 2000, you must carry out an asbestos survey to identify any ACMs within the building. Even if you have already had an asbestos survey carried out, it is recommended to carry out another survey at least every two years to ensure that the report is up-to-date and any new ACMs that may have been found are identified.

You also need an asbestos survey if you:

• Plan to carry out any refurbishment or demolition work in the building
• Are planning to buy or sell a property
• Have a duty of care to protect others who may come into contact with the building, such as employees, visitors, or contractors.

It is important to remember that an asbestos survey is a legal requirement, and failure to comply with the regulations can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.

What Materials May Contain Asbestos?

ACMs can be found in various building materials such as:

• Insulation boards or lagging
• Ceiling tiles or plasterboard
• Corrugated roofing sheets
• Floor tiles or matting
• Fire blankets or curtains
• Sprayed or textured coatings on ceilings or walls.

It is important to note that ACMs are not always easy to identify visually, and that's why an asbestos survey is necessary to identify the presence of ACMs and assess their risk.

Why Asbestos Surveys are important

Asbestos surveys are important for several reasons:

1. Health and Safety

Asbestos exposure is a significant health and safety concern that can lead to severe illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Identifying and managing ACMs through asbestos surveys can reduce the risk of exposure and protect people's health.

2. Legal Obligations

Asbestos regulations require property owners, managers, or landlords to identify and manage any ACMs within their building. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.

3. Property Value

An up-to-date asbestos survey report can help property owners to identify any ACMs within their building and manage them correctly, which can increase the property's value and make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters.

4. Peace of Mind

Knowing that your building is free from ACMs or that any identified ACMs are managed correctly can give property owners peace of mind and reduce any potential liability.

Asbestos Register

Property owners, managers, or landlords must keep an updated asbestos register that includes all identified ACMs within the building. The register should be easily accessible to anyone who may need it and must be reviewed and updated at least every two years or whenever there are any changes to the building.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are an essential step in managing the risk from ACMs within buildings constructed before the year 2000. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable Asbestos Survey Company in Devon, South West England, England, with over a decade of experience in providing top-quality asbestos survey, management, and removal services. Our licensed surveyors are experts in identifying and assessing ACMs and providing tailored recommendations on how to manage them effectively.

Remember, an asbestos survey is a legal requirement, and failure to comply with the regulations can result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. So, if you're looking for professional and affordable asbestos survey services in Devon, feel free to contact us at 01962 458066 or send an email to [email protected]. Our team is always ready to help you manage the risk from ACMs effectively and within your budget.