Is An Asbestos Survey Required By Law In Devon?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was once widely used in construction in the UK. When asbestos fibres are released into the air, they can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, asbestos is now banned in the UK and strict regulations are in place to manage its use and removal.

If you own or manage a building in Devon or elsewhere in the UK, you may be wondering whether you are required by law to conduct an asbestos survey. The short answer is, yes, in many cases an asbestos survey is legally required in order to protect the health and safety of those who may be exposed to the material.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a professional asbestos survey company located in Devon, South West England. We understand the importance of protecting people from the dangers of asbestos, which is why we offer affordable asbestos surveys to help you comply with the law and keep your building safe.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction in the UK from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was prized for its heat-resistant properties, and was commonly used in insulation, roofing, and other building materials.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed, they can release tiny fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled by people who are nearby, and can lodge themselves in the lungs or other organs, leading to serious health problems over time.

There are six types of asbestos, but the three most commonly used in the UK were chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue). All types of asbestos are now banned in the UK, and strict regulations are in place to manage ACMs that still exist in buildings.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building to identify any asbestos-containing materials. The survey should be carried out by a trained and accredited asbestos surveyor using specialist equipment.

There are two types of asbestos survey: a management survey and a refurbishment and demolition survey. The purpose of a management survey is to identify any ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupation of a building. A refurbishment and demolition survey is required when a building is going to be refurbished, or when it will be demolished.

During an asbestos survey, the surveyor will inspect all accessible areas of the building, taking samples of any suspected ACMs. The samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the results will be used to create a report detailing the location, type, condition, and extent of any asbestos present in the building.

Why are Asbestos Surveys Important?

Asbestos surveys are important for several reasons. Firstly, they help to protect people from the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure. By identifying any ACMs present in a building, the survey allows for appropriate action to be taken to manage or remove the material safely.

Secondly, an asbestos survey is a legal requirement in many cases. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out the legal requirements for managing and removing asbestos in the UK. Under these regulations, a duty holder (such as an employer or building owner) must identify any asbestos that may be present in their building by carrying out an asbestos survey.

Finally, an asbestos survey can help to protect the value of a building. If asbestos is present, it can lead to restrictions on the use of the building, and may make it more difficult to sell or rent. By carrying out an asbestos survey and managing or removing any ACMs, building owners can ensure that their property remains safe and marketable.

What Are Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are any materials that contain asbestos fibres. ACMs were widely used in construction in the UK, particularly in buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s. Examples of ACMs include:

• Asbestos insulation, which was commonly used to insulate pipes and boilers

• Asbestos cement, which was used in roofing and cladding

• Asbestos lagging, which was used to insulate ducts and pipework

• Asbestos floor tiles, which were commonly used in schools and hospitals

• Asbestos textiles, such as fire-resistant curtains and gloves

• Asbestos gaskets, which were used in machinery and equipment

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

An asbestos survey is required whenever there is a risk of asbestos exposure to people who may be working or living in a building. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out the legal requirements for asbestos surveys.

According to CAR 2012, an asbestos survey is required when:

• A building is due to be demolished, or substantial renovation work is planned

• The building was built before 2000

• There is a risk of asbestos exposure from building work, such as drilling, sawing or sanding

• The building is a commercial property and a tenancy agreement is being signed

• The building is a residential property and a leasehold agreement is being signed

In addition to these legal requirements, it is recommended that an asbestos survey is carried out whenever a building is being bought or sold, or if there is reason to believe that asbestos may be present in the building.

What Happens if Asbestos is Found?

If asbestos is found during an asbestos survey, the duty holder (such as the building owner or employer) is legally required to manage or remove the ACMs, depending on their condition and risk of exposure.

If the ACMs are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, they may be managed in situ. This involves labelling the ACMs, monitoring their condition, and ensuring that they are not damaged or disturbed.

If the ACMs are damaged or likely to be disturbed, they must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal company. The asbestos removal process must be carried out in accordance with strict guidelines, to ensure that the risk of asbestos exposure is minimised.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a licensed and professional asbestos removal company. We can help to manage or remove any asbestos-containing materials in your building, ensuring that you comply with the law and keep your building safe.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is an essential part of managing and removing asbestos from a building. Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems, and it is important to identify any ACMs that may be present in a building to reduce the risk of exposure.

If you own or manage a building in Devon or elsewhere in the UK, an asbestos survey may be legally required in order to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It is important to choose a professional asbestos survey company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, to ensure that the survey is carried out safely and accurately.

Contact us today to book an asbestos survey in Devon. Call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information about our services.