Is It Law To Have An Asbestos Survey In Devon?

If you are a homeowner, landlord, or managing a building in Devon, you may be wondering if it is law to have an asbestos survey. The answer is yes, it is a legal requirement to have an asbestos survey before demolition or refurbishment. But even if you are not planning any work, it is still recommended to conduct an asbestos survey as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of those who occupy the premises.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a professional asbestos survey company in Devon. We offer affordable and comprehensive asbestos surveys to meet the requirements of residential and non-residential properties. We understand the importance of your health and safety, and we take pride in providing accurate and reliable asbestos survey services to our clients.

Asbestos: Type, Health, and Safety

Asbestos is a mineral that was extensively used in the construction industry until it was banned in 1999. It was widely used due to its excellent insulating properties and fire-resistant qualities. However, asbestos is also highly hazardous and can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

There are two main types of asbestos: friable and non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos is more likely to release fibers into the air, while non-friable asbestos is less likely to release fibers unless it is disturbed. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure depend on the type of asbestos and the length and intensity of exposure.

Therefore, it is crucial to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your property to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. An asbestos survey conducted by a professional surveyor is the first step to identify the presence of asbestos in your premises.

Asbestos Survey Types

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey. The survey type you need will depend on the purpose of the survey.

Management Survey

A management survey is required to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy, minor repairs or maintenance. This type of survey is a legal requirement for non-domestic properties, such as offices, retail stores, factories, and public buildings.

A management survey will involve a visual inspection of the premises and some minor intrusive work, such as taking samples of materials suspected to contain asbestos. The surveyor will produce a report that details the location, condition, and extent of any identified ACMs and recommend appropriate management actions.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work takes place. This type of survey is more intrusive and aims to locate all ACMs in the area where the work will take place.

A refurbishment/demolition survey will involve a more extensive inspection and sampling of all accessible areas, including hidden spaces behind walls, floors, and ceilings. The surveyor will produce a report that details the location, condition, and extent of any identified ACMs and recommend appropriate actions to ensure safe removal.

Is an Asbestos Surveyor Needed?

An asbestos survey should be carried out by a competent and licensed asbestos surveyor who has the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake the survey safely and effectively. In addition, the surveyor must have liability insurance to protect them and the client against any potential risks.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we have a team of highly trained and experienced surveyors who can provide thorough and reliable asbestos surveys for your property. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and comprehensive survey results.

Managing Asbestos

Although the use of asbestos is now prohibited, it is still present in many buildings constructed before 2000. Therefore, it is essential to manage any identified ACMs in your property to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has provided guidance for managing asbestos in non-domestic properties. The guidance includes identifying the presence of ACMs, assessing the risks of exposure, and implementing appropriate control measures to minimize the risk. The HSE website provides a wealth of information on managing asbestos and the legal requirements.

Requirements in Devon

If you are in Devon or South West England, the legal requirements for asbestos surveys are the same as the rest of the UK. However, it is worth noting that certain areas in Devon may be more prone to asbestos due to historical industries, such as mining and construction. Therefore, it is even more crucial to conduct an asbestos survey to protect yourself and others from potential exposure to asbestos.

Contact Us

If you require an asbestos survey in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help. We offer affordable and comprehensive surveys for all types of properties, and we can provide a quick turnaround of results. Our team of licensed surveyors has the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake a safe and reliable survey.

To book an asbestos survey or for more information, please call us on 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services. Don't take any risks with asbestos contact us today to ensure the safety of your property and the health of those who occupy it.