How Often Should I Review My Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in buildings and properties before its hazards were fully understood. Asbestos can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, if it is inhaled. This is why it is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out on any building or property that was built before the year 2000. An asbestos survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building and assess the risk they pose.

As a property owner or landlord in Devon, it is your responsibility to ensure that your building is safe for occupants and visitors. This means that you must have an asbestos survey carried out, and you must also ensure that the survey is reviewed regularly. But how often should you review your asbestos survey in Devon? In this article, we will explore the factors that determine the frequency of asbestos surveys and reviews and why it is important to do so.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon - An Asbestos Survey Company In Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos survey company operating in Devon and the surrounding areas. Our experienced and qualified asbestos surveyors have the knowledge and expertise to carry out thorough asbestos surveys and provide accurate reports. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their properties meet the relevant asbestos regulations.

We understand that every property is different and may have different requirements when it comes to asbestos surveys and reviews. That's why we offer a range of survey options, including management surveys, refurbishment and demolition (R&D) surveys, and re-inspection surveys. We can help you determine which survey is most appropriate for your building and ensure that you comply with current asbestos regulations.

What Is Asbestos?

Before we discuss the frequency of asbestos survey reviews, it is essential to understand what asbestos is and why it is dangerous. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos can be found in a range of building materials, including insulation, flooring, roofing, and cement.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they release microscopic fibres into the air that can be inhaled. These fibres can cause serious health problems if they become trapped in the lungs, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take many years to develop, and there is no known cure.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or property to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be present. The survey is carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor who will collect samples of any suspected ACMs and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

The surveyor will also assess the condition of any identified ACMs and determine the risk they pose. The surveyor will provide a detailed report that outlines the location and condition of any identified ACMs and makes recommendations on how to manage or remove them safely.

Why Is It Important To Have An Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are essential for ensuring the safety of occupants and visitors to a building or property. If asbestos-containing materials are present, they can pose a significant risk if they are damaged or disturbed. An asbestos survey will identify any ACMs and assess the risk they pose, allowing for appropriate control measures to be put in place.

In addition, having an up-to-date asbestos survey can help you to comply with current asbestos regulations. As a property owner or landlord, you have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in your building or property and ensure that it does not pose a risk to occupants or visitors. An asbestos survey is a crucial part of this responsibility.

How Often Should I Review My Asbestos Survey?

Once you have had an asbestos survey carried out, it is essential to review it regularly to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date. The frequency of these reviews will depend on a range of factors, including the age and condition of the building, the type and amount of ACMs present, and the level of risk they pose.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos surveys should be reviewed at least once every 12 months. However, if the building or property undergoes refurbishment or demolition work, or if there are any significant changes to the structure, layout, or use of the building, a review may be needed sooner.

It is also worth noting that if there is any reason to suspect that the condition of the ACMs has deteriorated, a review should be carried out immediately. This could include signs of damage, wear and tear, or exposure to moisture or other harmful substances.

Refurbishment And Demolition (R&D) Surveys

If you are planning to carry out refurbishment or demolition work on a building or property, you will need to have an R&D asbestos survey carried out. This survey is more intrusive than a management survey and will involve a more detailed inspection of the building, including the internal structure.

R&D surveys must be carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work begins to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed by the work. Any identified ACMs must be managed or removed safely before work begins to prevent any harm to workers, occupants, or visitors.

Once refurbishment or demolition work has been completed, a re-inspection survey should be carried out to ensure that any remaining ACMs have been managed or removed safely.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality asbestos survey and removal services at competitive prices. We understand that asbestos can be a significant concern for property owners and landlords, and we are committed to helping our clients manage asbestos in a safe and effective way.

Our experienced and qualified asbestos surveyors have the knowledge and expertise to carry out asbestos surveys of all types of buildings and properties in Devon and the surrounding areas. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that our surveys are accurate and comprehensive.

If you need an asbestos survey, or if you want to review an existing survey, we are here to help. Contact us today to speak to one of our friendly and experienced team members. Call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to find out how we can help you manage asbestos safely in your building or property.