How Often Should You Have An Asbestos Survey in Devon?

Asbestos is a fibrous, heat-resistant mineral that was once commonly used in a variety of building materials. However, it is now known to be a hazardous material that poses a significant risk to human health. Asbestos has been linked to a number of serious illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis - all of which are caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

To minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos, it's important to have regular asbestos surveys carried out on your property. In this article, we'll discuss the importance of asbestos surveys, when they're required, and how often you should have them done.

Who Are Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a Devon-based asbestos survey company that specializes in offering affordable asbestos removal services. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality service and ensuring their properties are free from asbestos hazards.

We offer a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos management surveys, building surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, and asbestos removal. We are fully accredited by the UK Asbestos Training Association, which means that all of our staff are trained to the highest industry standards.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until the 1970s when it was discovered that exposure to its fibers could cause serious health problems. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, tiny fibers are released into the air which, when breathed in, can become lodged in the lungs. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos is still found in many older buildings, including homes, offices, and factories. It is often found in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and textured coatings. While asbestos-containing materials are generally safe if left undisturbed, any work that involves drilling, sanding, or breaking asbestos-containing materials can release fibers into the air, making them a hazard to human health.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a legal duty on anyone who owns, occupies, or has responsibility for maintaining a building to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials. An asbestos survey is the first step in identifying any asbestos-containing materials in a building.

There are three types of asbestos surveys: asbestos management surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, and asbestos re-inspection surveys. An asbestos management survey is required in any building that was constructed before the year 2000, and it is designed to identify the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials. The survey will also provide recommendations on how to manage any asbestos-containing materials found in the building.

A refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken. This survey is more intrusive than an asbestos management survey and is designed to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials in the building.

An asbestos re-inspection survey is carried out at regular intervals to ensure that any previously identified asbestos-containing materials are still in good condition and that any management procedures in place are still effective.

How Often Should You Have an Asbestos Survey?

The frequency of asbestos surveys will depend on the type of building, its age, and its usage. In general, any building constructed before the year 2000 should have an asbestos management survey carried out every two to three years. However, if the building is used for industrial purposes, or if there is a likelihood of asbestos-containing materials being disturbed, then more frequent surveys may be required.

Likewise, if you're carrying out any refurbishment or demolition work, you'll need to have a refurbishment and demolition survey carried out before any work begins. Even if an asbestos survey has been carried out previously, if there's any chance that asbestos-containing materials may have been disturbed, then a new survey should be carried out.

Why Is Asbestos Survey Important?

Asbestos surveys are important because they help to identify any asbestos-containing materials in a building, which can then be managed safely. Asbestos-containing materials that are left undisturbed are generally safe, but if they are broken or damaged, they can release fibers into the air, creating a health hazard.

An asbestos survey will provide recommendations on how to manage any asbestos-containing materials found in the building. This could include labeling any asbestos-containing materials, limiting access to areas where asbestos-containing materials are located, or even removing the materials altogether.

Asbestos surveys are also a legal requirement, and failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in significant fines and legal action.

Conclusion

If you're a property owner, manager, or building occupier in Devon, regular asbestos surveys are essential. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos management surveys, building surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, and asbestos removal.

We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality service and ensuring their properties are free from asbestos hazards. If you need an asbestos survey, don't hesitate to contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].