How Often Should I Do An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that was used widely in the construction industry until it was banned in the UK in 1999. The material can be found in many different forms throughout properties built before the ban, including in insulation, roof tiles, pipe lagging, and textured coatings. Asbestos poses a grave threat to health, as exposure to its fibres can potentially lead to lung diseases and cancers, such as mesothelioma, which can be fatal.

Property owners and managers in Devon need to be aware of the presence of asbestos in their buildings so that they can take steps to protect the health and safety of occupants, visitors, and workers. One crucial aspect of managing asbestos in a building is conducting regular asbestos surveys. In this guide, we will explore how often you should do an asbestos survey in Devon and why it is essential to have an asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon conduct these surveys.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon: Your Go-To Asbestos Survey Company in Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey company in Devon and the South West of England. We are a team of highly experienced and fully qualified asbestos surveyors, who are dedicated to providing our clients with a comprehensive and affordable asbestos survey service. Our services include asbestos management surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, asbestos testing, and asbestos removal, and we have worked with a wide range of clients, including homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses.

Our goal is to help our clients understand the risks associated with asbestos and to provide them with the knowledge, guidance, and support they need to manage these risks effectively. We believe that everyone has the right to live and work in a safe and healthy environment, and we are passionate about delivering asbestos survey services that reflect this commitment.

Understanding Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are critical for identifying the presence, type, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. There are two types of surveys that can be conducted: management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys.

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey, which is conducted to identify the presence, extent, and condition of any ACMs in a building. This type of survey is used as part of a property's ongoing asbestos management plan to ensure that the risks associated with asbestos are correctly assessed, monitored, and controlled.

A refurbishment and demolition survey, on the other hand, is a more intrusive survey, which is conducted before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. This type of survey involves sampling and analysis of suspected or known ACMs and can provide a more detailed picture of the condition and location of the ACMs, so they can be safely removed before any work commences.

Do You Need An Asbestos Survey?

If you own or manage a property in Devon and suspect that it may contain asbestos, then you need to have an asbestos survey conducted. However, even if you have no reason to suspect that asbestos is present, it is still recommended that you have a management survey conducted to verify the absence of ACMs in your building.

According to UK asbestos regulations, the duty to manage asbestos falls on the "dutyholder" - the person or organisation responsible for maintaining the building, such as a landlord, employer, or building owner. This means that if you are a dutyholder, it is your legal responsibility to ensure that an asbestos survey is carried out and that any ACMs in the building are correctly managed or removed.

How Often Should You Have An Asbestos Survey Conducted?

The frequency of asbestos surveys will depend on several factors, including the age of the building, the type of construction, and the condition of any ACMs. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that asbestos management surveys are conducted at regular intervals to ensure that the risks associated with ACMs are correctly assessed, monitored, and controlled. The HSE suggests that asbestos management surveys should be conducted:

• Every six to twelve months for premises that contain a significant amount of ACMs
• Every two to three years for premises that contain some ACMs
• Every five years for premises that contain no or very few ACMs

If refurbishment or demolition work is planned, then a refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey will need to be conducted before the work takes place.

However, it is important to note that the recommended intervals are not set in stone, and the frequency of surveys may need to be increased if there is any change to the building's use or occupancy, or if the condition of the ACMs deteriorates.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Choosing the right asbestos survey company is crucial to ensuring that your building is surveyed effectively and in compliance with UK asbestos regulations. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is your go-to asbestos survey company in Devon for several reasons:

• We have a team of fully qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors who have been trained to industry standards
• We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that our surveys are thorough and accurate
• We provide comprehensive asbestos survey reports that are easy to understand and follow
• We are a fully insured and licensed asbestos survey company
• We provide our services at an affordable and competitive price

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos surveys are vital for protecting the health and safety of building occupants and workers in Devon, and it is essential that these surveys are conducted regularly and by a reputable asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can be found in many different forms and locations within buildings, and failure to manage asbestos effectively can result in severe health consequences. If you are a dutyholder, it is your legal responsibility to ensure that an asbestos survey is conducted, and at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are here to help and guide you through the process. So, if you need an asbestos survey, don't hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].