How Often Should Asbestos Surveys Be Done In Devon?

Asbestos is a word that strikes fear into many property owners, managers, and tenants. It is a dangerous substance that was previously widely used in building materials due to its strength, durability, and heat resistance properties. However, it was discovered that asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma when inhaled, leading to a ban on its use since the 1980s. Even though new constructions cannot contain asbestos, many older buildings still have asbestos-containing materials that need to be managed.

If you own, manage or occupy a building in Devon or South West England, it is essential to understand how often asbestos surveys should be done to ensure that the building is safe for occupancy. The purpose of this article is to inform you about asbestos surveys, when they are needed, and their benefits. We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, and we provide asbestos survey services in Devon and South West England. If you have any questions, please contact us on 01962 458066.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was popularly used in the construction industry due to its heat-resistant properties, strength, and affordability. Asbestos can be found in various building materials, including insulation, cement, floor tiles, roof shingles, and siding. Asbestos fibers are hazardous when inhaled, and they can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos is widely recognized as a dangerous material, and there are strict regulations governing its use, management, and removal. Building owners and managers are required to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to ensure that they do not present a risk to occupants. Failure to ensure ACMs are safely managed could expose owners or managers to fines or other penalties.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building to identify any ACMs present, their location, and condition. The survey identifies the presence of asbestos and provides recommendations for its management, removal, or encapsulation. The survey report usually includes a risk assessment, which provides a score of the likelihood of occupants being exposed to asbestos.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on asbestos surveys, which specifies that surveys must be conducted by competent surveyors. There are two types of asbestos surveys:

Management Survey

A management survey is the standard survey that is required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). The purpose of the management survey is to identify whether there are any ACMs present, their location, and condition. The surveyor will only sample materials that they can access and will presume that any material not sampled contains asbestos. The survey report provides a comprehensive list of ACMs, their locations, and recommendations on managing them.

Management surveys must be carried out regularly to ensure that the ACMs are being managed safely and effectively. When conducting a management survey, the surveyor should assume that the building is in normal occupation and that minor works may be being carried out.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required when a building is being refurbished or demolished. The survey is more intrusive than a management survey and is intended to locate all the ACMs in the building that may be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition. The survey report provides a comprehensive list of ACMs, their locations, and recommendations on how to remove or encapsulate them safely.

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are usually carried out by experienced demolition contractors or licensed asbestos contractors. It is essential to ensure that the surveyor has the necessary qualifications and experience to carry out the survey safely.

When Should Asbestos Surveys Be Done?

Asbestos surveys should be done regularly to ensure that the building is safe for occupants to use. The HSE recommends that asbestos management surveys be carried out at least every two years, or sooner if there has been a significant change in the building's use or occupancy, such as a change of ownership or major refurbishment. Refurbishment/demolition surveys must be carried out before any demolition or refurbishment work starts.

It is essential to note that surveys may also be required under other circumstances, such as when a building is being sold or leased, or when an insurance company requires it. If you are unsure whether your property requires a survey, please contact us on 01962 458066 for advice.

Benefits Of Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys provide several benefits to property owners, managers, and tenants, including:

Protecting Occupants' Health

Asbestos surveys identify the presence of ACMs and provide recommendations on their management or removal. This enables building owners and managers to ensure that the building is safe for occupants to use and reduces the risk of asbestos-related diseases.

Compliance With Regulations

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) require building owners and managers to manage ACMs effectively. Asbestos surveys provide evidence that the building owner or manager is complying with the regulations and reduces the risk of fines or other penalties.

Cost Savings

Asbestos surveys provide recommendations on how to manage ACMs safely, which can help to reduce the costs of management, removal, or encapsulation. This can result in significant cost savings for building owners and managers.

Peace Of Mind

Asbestos surveys provide peace of mind to building owners, managers, and tenants, knowing that the building is safe for occupancy. It also ensures that the building is compliant with regulations, protects occupants' health, and reduces the costs of management.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable asbestos survey company in Devon and South West England. We provide asbestos surveys, management, and removal services to ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy. We are a team of highly qualified and experienced surveyors who understand the risks associated with ACMs and are committed to providing a safe and effective service to our clients.

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services at affordable prices, making sure that our clients are getting value for their money. Our survey reports are easy to understand, and we provide recommendations on how to manage ACMs safely, reducing the risk of asbestos-related diseases and ensuring compliance with regulations.

If you need an asbestos survey in Devon or South West England, please contact us on 01962 458066, and we will be happy to help you. Our email address is [email protected], and our website is affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.