Is An Asbestos Survey Mandatory For A Factory Building In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction in the 20th century due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure can have severe health consequences, including cancer and respiratory illnesses, and its use was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, many older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s, still contain asbestos. This poses a significant hazard to workers and occupants, especially in industrial and commercial premises, such as factories and warehouses, where asbestos was commonly used in insulation, pipes, and roofing materials.

If you own, manage or operate a factory building in Devon, you may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey to comply with the legal requirements and ensure the safety of your premises and staff. In this article, we'll answer the most frequently asked questions about asbestos surveys and explain why you should consider using a professional asbestos survey company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that consist of long, thin fibres that can be easily inhaled. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), and crocidolite (blue asbestos). Asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing until its health risks became widely known.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they can release asbestos fibres into the air, which can then be breathed in by people nearby. Asbestos fibres can accumulate in the lungs and cause a range of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

What Is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to determine if there are any ACMs present and assess their condition and risk. Asbestos surveys are carried out by licensed and qualified asbestos surveyors who have the expertise and equipment to safely identify and sample potential ACMs.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

Management Survey

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey carried out in non-domestic premises. Its purpose is to identify the presence, location, and condition of ACMs that may be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy and routine maintenance.

A management survey involves taking samples of any suspect materials and analysing them in a laboratory to confirm if they contain asbestos. The surveyor will also assess the condition of any ACMs and recommend any necessary actions, such as encapsulation or removal, to manage the risk of exposure.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more extensive survey that is required before any major work is carried out on a building, such as refurbishment, demolition, or extension. Its purpose is to identify and locate all ACMs in the areas affected by the proposed work and assess their condition and risk.

A refurbishment/demolition survey involves a detailed inspection of all accessible parts of the building, including voids, cavities, and hidden areas. The surveyor will take samples of all suspect materials and analyse them in a laboratory to confirm if they contain asbestos.

Is an Asbestos Survey Mandatory for a Factory Building in Devon?

The short answer is yes, an asbestos survey is mandatory for all non-domestic premises, including factories, warehouses, and industrial units, in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The duty to manage asbestos applies to all non-domestic premises built before the year 2000.

The duty to manage asbestos requires the building's owner or manager to:

• Identify any ACMs that might be present
• Assess the risk of exposure to any identified ACMs
• Prepare a plan to manage the risk of exposure
• Implement the plan
• Monitor and review the plan regularly

The first step in fulfilling the duty to manage asbestos is to carry out a management survey to identify any ACMs that may be present in the building. The survey should be carried out by a licensed and qualified asbestos surveyor who can provide a detailed report on the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs found.

If the survey reveals the presence of ACMs, the building owner or manager must take appropriate measures to manage the risk of exposure. This may involve:

• Labeling ACMs, so that workers and others are aware of their presence
• Implementing procedures to prevent the disturbance or damage of ACMs
• Carrying out regular inspections and maintenance of ACMs
• Removing or encapsulating ACMs if they pose a significant risk of exposure

In addition to fulfilling the duty to manage asbestos, an asbestos survey can also provide valuable information for the maintenance and refurbishment of the building. Knowing the location and condition of ACMs can help to avoid accidental exposure during maintenance and repair work and prevent the spread of asbestos fibres.

Why Should You Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

As a leading asbestos survey company in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has years of experience providing comprehensive and affordable asbestos surveys to industrial and commercial clients. We have a team of licensed and qualified asbestos surveyors who use the latest equipment and techniques to carry out accurate and reliable surveys.

We understand the importance of asbestos safety and the legal requirements for the management of asbestos in industrial and commercial premises. We can provide tailored asbestos survey reports that are easy to understand and include clear recommendations for managing any ACMs found.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we pride ourselves on providing fast, affordable, and professional asbestos surveys that help our clients protect their premises and their staff from the risks of asbestos exposure. Contact us today for more information or to book an asbestos survey for your factory building in Devon.

Conclusion

In summary, an asbestos survey is mandatory for all non-domestic premises in Devon, including factory buildings, to comply with the legal duty to manage asbestos and ensure the safety of employees and visitors. An asbestos survey can identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs in the building and provide recommendations for managing the risk of exposure.

Employing a professional and experienced asbestos survey company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, can help you comply with legal requirements, minimise the risk of asbestos exposure, and protect the health and safety of your staff and visitors. Contact us today to schedule an asbestos survey for your factory building in Devon.