What's Involved In An Asbestos Survey In Devon

If you own or manage a building in Devon, South West England and suspect that asbestos may be present, then you need to act by contacting a professional asbestos survey company to conduct a survey. At "Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon," we are one of the leading companies specializing in asbestos survey and asbestos removal services in Devon. We have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who can provide a comprehensive asbestos survey to help you better manage the presence of asbestos in your building.

Who we are

"Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon" is a reliable asbestos survey company in Devon that is dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality asbestos survey and asbestos removal services to commercial and residential clients in Devon and its environs. We have been in operation for many years, and our experience combined with our cutting-edge equipment and skilled technicians has made us the go-to company for asbestos survey and removal services in Devon.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that was commonly used in construction and insulation materials due to its excellent thermal insulation properties. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled, which can cause serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos was extensively used in the UK until it was banned in 1999. The use of asbestos in construction materials has made it prevalent in many older buildings in Devon, and many property owners are unaware of its presence.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to determine the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the premises. An experienced and qualified asbestos surveyor will conduct a thorough inspection of the building to identify any ACMs that may be present. The surveyor will take samples of the suspected ACMs and send them to a laboratory for analysis. The survey will also provide recommendations on how to manage any potential risks posed by asbestos in the premises.

Why do you need an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is the first step towards managing the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials in a building. The presence of asbestos in a building is not automatically dangerous. It is only when the asbestos fibers are released into the air that they can become a health hazard. A survey will identify the presence of asbestos and provide guidance on how to manage the risks.

Types of asbestos surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys, and they are:

Management survey

A management survey is the standard type of survey, and it is required if you are maintaining a building. A management survey is a non-intrusive inspection of accessible areas within the building, such as ceilings, walls, and floors. The surveyor will take samples of any suspected ACMs and send them for analysis. If ACMs are found, the survey report will provide recommendations on how to manage the risks posed by the asbestos.

Refurbishment and demolition survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey is necessary if you plan to make changes to a building that may disturb or remove any ACMs. This survey is intrusive and involves destructive inspection to access all areas within the building that will be affected by the proposed refurbishment or demolition. The survey will identify any ACMs that may be disturbed or removed during the refurbishment or demolition and will provide guidance on how to safely manage the risks.

Asbestos management

Asbestos management is the process of identifying and managing the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials in a building. An asbestos survey is the first step towards asbestos management, and it can help to:

• Identify the presence of any asbestos-containing materials in a building
• Assess the risks posed by these materials
• Develop an asbestos management plan to manage the risks
• Educate building occupants on safe practices

An asbestos management plan should be comprehensive and aim to minimize the risks posed by asbestos. The plan should also be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective.

Maintaining asbestos management

Maintaining the asbestos management plan is crucial to ensuring that your building remains safe from asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials can degrade over time due to weathering, age, or damage. In addition, changes in building use, occupancy levels, or the condition of the building can affect the risk posed by asbestos-containing materials. It is, therefore, important to review and update the asbestos management plan regularly to ensure that it remains relevant.

Conclusion

Asbestos is still present in many older buildings in Devon, South West England, and it is essential to identify and manage the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials. "Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon" is a reliable asbestos survey company in Devon that can help you identify and manage asbestos safely and effectively. Contact us on 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected] for high-quality, affordable asbestos survey and asbestos removal services. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services.