How Often Should Asbestos Surveys Be Carried Out In Devon

Asbestos is a harmful substance that was commonly used in construction materials until the 1980s. Buildings constructed before the ban on asbestos may still contain asbestos materials, which can pose a serious health risk if they are not managed properly. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and exposure to asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other respiratory illnesses.

If you own a property in Devon, it is important to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are properly managed, and that any necessary action is taken to protect the health and safety of those who occupy the premises.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide comprehensive asbestos surveys, management plans, and asbestos removal services in Devon and surrounding areas. In this article, we will discuss how often asbestos surveys should be carried out in Devon, and why it is important to have an up-to-date asbestos management plan in place.

Who We Are

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a fully licensed and insured asbestos survey company with years of experience working in Devon and the South West of England. We provide high-quality asbestos survey and removal services at competitive prices, and our team of licensed professionals is dedicated to helping you maintain a safe and healthy living or working environment.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that were commonly used in building materials because of their durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. There are several types of asbestos, including chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos).

Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can be easily inhaled into the lungs, causing health problems over time. Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among other illnesses.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many buildings constructed before the 1980s, particularly in the form of insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and pipe and boiler insulation.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a property or building to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey will help to determine the extent of any asbestos-containing materials in the building, as well as their condition and risk of releasing asbestos fibers. There are two types of asbestos surveys: a management survey and a refurbishment/demolition survey.

What is an Asbestos Management Survey?

An asbestos management survey is a non-destructive survey that aims to identify any asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged, disturbed or removed during normal occupancy of the building. The survey is designed to assist in the planning of asbestos management, and to provide information for the preparation of an asbestos register, which should be kept up-to-date and readily available.

The purpose of an asbestos management survey is to locate as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy. It is important to ensure that all identified ACMs are managed to prevent them from releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

What is an Asbestos Refurbishment/Demolition Survey?

An asbestos refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is carried out when there are plans to refurbish or demolish a building. The aim of the survey is to locate as far as is reasonably practicable all asbestos-containing materials within the area where the refurbishment or demolition work is taking place. This type of survey is required before any refurbishment, demolition or major alteration to a building that is likely to disturb the fabric of the building.

How Often Should Asbestos Surveys Be Carried Out in Devon?

The frequency of asbestos surveys depends on the type of building and the level of risk posed by the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the building.

An asbestos management survey should be carried out regularly to ensure that any damaged or disturbed ACMs are identified, and that they are being managed effectively. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed may not need to be re-surveyed as frequently as materials that are at a higher risk of damage or disturbance.

As a general rule, an asbestos management survey should be carried out every two to three years, or when there is a change in the intended use of the building, or a change in the condition of the asbestos-containing materials.

An asbestos refurbishment/demolition survey is required when any refurbishment or demolition work is planned, and should be carried out before any work commences. It is important to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and removed before any work begins to avoid the risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

Why is an Asbestos Management Plan Important?

An asbestos management plan is a written plan that outlines how any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building will be managed to ensure the health and safety of anyone who may come into contact with them. The management plan should include details of the location, condition, and the expected life of the asbestos-containing materials. It should also outline how the materials will be managed to ensure that they are not damaged or disturbed, and that any asbestos fibers are not released into the air.

In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, flood, or other unexpected incident, the asbestos management plan will provide guidance to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure. The management plan should be updated regularly to reflect any changes in the condition of the ACMs, or changes in the use of the building.

An asbestos management plan is a legal requirement for all non-domestic properties in the UK, and failure to have a suitable plan in place can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to providing our clients with high-quality asbestos survey and removal services at competitive prices. Our team of licensed professionals has years of experience working in Devon and the South West of England, and we use the latest technologies and techniques to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and managed in accordance with UK regulations.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, our commitment to safety, and our dedication to providing our clients with the best possible service. If you own a property in Devon and need an asbestos survey, management plan, or removal service, please don't hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].

Conclusion

Asbestos is a harmful substance that can be found in many buildings constructed before the 1980s. If you own a property in Devon, it is important to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are properly managed and that any necessary action is taken to protect the health and safety of those who occupy the premises.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide comprehensive asbestos surveys, management plans, and asbestos removal services in Devon and surrounding areas. We recommend that an asbestos management survey should be carried out every two to three years, or when there is a change in the intended use of the building, or a change in the condition of the asbestos-containing materials.

If you need an asbestos survey or management plan, or if you require asbestos removal services, please don't hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We are always happy to help and provide expert advice to ensure that your property remains safe and asbestos-free.