Is An Air Test Part Of An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, when inhaled. It was widely used in construction, insulation, and manufacturing until it was banned in many countries, including the UK, in the 1980s. However, many buildings still contain asbestos, especially those constructed before the 1990s. As a result, it is important to identify and manage the presence of asbestos in buildings to protect the health of workers, occupants, and visitors.

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to determine the presence, location, type, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey report provides information about the risk of exposure to asbestos and recommendations for managing or removing ACMs. There are two main types of asbestos survey: management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey. The former is intended to identify and assess the presence and condition of ACMs that may be disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance, while the latter is more intrusive and involves sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs to inform a demolition or refurbishment project.

In addition to visual inspections and material sampling, an asbestos survey may also include air testing. Air testing is a method of measuring the concentration of airborne asbestos fibres, which can result from the disturbance or deterioration of ACMs. The purpose of air testing is to assess the risk of exposure to asbestos during normal occupancy or maintenance activities, or during a refurbishment or demolition project. Air testing can also be used to confirm the effectiveness of asbestos removal or enclosure measures.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos survey company in Devon, South West England. We provide a range of asbestos survey services, including management survey, refurbishment/demolition survey, and asbestos air testing. Our team of accredited analysts use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to identify and assess the presence and condition of ACMs, and to measure the concentration of airborne asbestos fibres.

Air testing is an important part of an asbestos survey because it can provide valuable information about the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. Air testing involves the use of specialized equipment, such as a calibrated air pump and filter cassette, to collect a sample of air from a specified area or enclosure. The air sample is then analyzed in a laboratory by an accredited analyst to determine the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air sample.

The results of air testing are expressed in fibres per cubic meter (f/m3) of air. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has established an action level of 0.1 f/m3 for asbestos fibres in air, above which certain control measures must be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos. The HSE also recommends a clearance level of 0.01 f/m3 for asbestos fibres in air following removal or enclosure of ACMs, to provide reassurance that the area is safe for reoccupation.

Air testing is not always necessary for a management survey, unless there is evidence of significant disturbance or deterioration of ACMs. However, air testing is typically included in a refurbishment/demolition survey, as it is required by law to determine the concentration of airborne asbestos fibres prior to any disturbance of ACMs. Air testing may also be necessary during asbestos removal or enclosure to ensure that the asbestos fibres are not released into the air.

Asbestos air testing must be conducted by an accredited analyst, who has been trained and certified to perform asbestos air sampling, analysis, and interpretation. The analyst must follow strict protocols and procedures to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the air testing results. The air testing equipment, filter cassette, and laboratory must also be accredited to the relevant standards.

In summary, air testing is an important part of an asbestos survey in Devon, as it can provide valuable information about the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. Air testing is typically included in a refurbishment/demolition survey, and may also be necessary during asbestos removal or enclosure. Air testing must be conducted by an accredited analyst using accredited equipment and laboratory, and must adhere to strict protocols and procedures. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to providing professional and affordable asbestos survey services, including asbestos air testing, to protect the health and safety of our clients and their employees. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an asbestos survey in Devon.