What Happens In Asbestos Survey In Devon

If you are a property owner, occupier or manager of buildings in Devon, then you might have heard about asbestos, a hazardous material that was widely used in building construction in the past. Asbestos is known to cause cancer and respiratory diseases in humans, making it important to identify and manage its presence in buildings. This is where asbestos surveys come in - to assess the presence and condition of asbestos in a building and develop recommendations for its safe management or removal.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a leading asbestos survey company in Devon, South West England. We offer affordable and comprehensive asbestos surveys for all types of buildings, from residential to commercial, industrial, public and educational. Our experienced and accredited surveyors provide a professional service that adheres to the HSE regulations and industry standards, ensuring your safety and compliance.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials from the 1950s until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Asbestos has several properties that made it popular in construction, including its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Asbestos was often used in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation, cement, pipe lagging, roofing, and other building materials.

However, when asbestos is disturbed or damaged, it can release fibres that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. These fibres can remain in the lungs for many years, leading to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is important to identify and manage asbestos in buildings to protect yourself and others from its harm.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to identify the presence, condition, and extent of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey aims to provide accurate information about the location, type, condition, and accessibility of ACMs in a building. The survey also assesses the risk of exposure to asbestos and recommends appropriate actions to control or remove the ACMs.

An asbestos survey is mandatory before any demolition, refurbishment, or maintenance work is carried out on a building, as it is required by law to prevent any accidental disturbance of ACMs. Similarly, if you are planning to buy or sell a property, you may need an asbestos survey to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos and its condition.

What are the types of asbestos surveys?

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: Management Survey and Refurbishment/Demolition Survey. The type of survey required depends on the nature and purpose of the work being carried out on a building.

Management Survey

A Management Survey is the standard type of survey required for any non-domestic property that was built before the year 2000. The survey aims to locate, identify and assess the extent and condition of any ACMs that could be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy, maintenance or repair of the building.

The Management Survey involves a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of the building, including ceilings, walls, floors, ducts, pipes, and other areas made accessible for the survey. Samples of suspected ACMs are taken and analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory to confirm the presence and type of asbestos. The results of the survey are presented in an Asbestos Survey Report, which includes a detailed description of the locations and conditions of ACMs, a risk assessment, and a management plan.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is required when a building is scheduled for refurbishment or demolition. This type of survey is more intrusive than the Management Survey, as it aims to locate, identify and assess all ACMs in the areas where the work will be carried out.

The Refurbishment/Demolition Survey involves a thorough inspection of all areas of the building where the refurbishment or demolition is planned, including hidden areas that may be accessed by removal or disturbance of fixtures, fittings, or linings. The survey also includes intrusive sampling of materials suspected of containing asbestos. The samples are analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory to confirm the presence and type of asbestos. The results of the survey are presented in a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey Report, which includes a detailed description of the locations and conditions of ACMs, a risk assessment, and a plan for safe removal and disposal of ACMs.

What are the obligations of duty holders?

As a duty holder, you have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in your building to ensure the safety of everyone who may be exposed to it. The duty holder is defined as the person or organization responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building, or who has control over the building's management or use.

The duty holder must:

• Identify whether asbestos is present in their building and assess the risks from it
• Make and keep an up-to-date record of the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials
• Provide information on the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials to anyone who is liable to disturb it, e.g. contractors or maintenance staff
• Develop and implement a management plan to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air
• Monitor and review the management plan regularly and revise it when necessary

The duty holder is also responsible for ensuring that any asbestos removal work is carried out by a licensed contractor and that appropriate health and safety measures are in place. The duty holder can be held liable for any breach of asbestos regulations or for the harm caused by asbestos exposure.

Why choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is your trusted partner for asbestos surveys in Devon. We have over 20 years of experience in the asbestos industry, and all our surveyors are BOHS P402 certified and UKAS-accredited. We provide a reliable, professional, and cost-effective service that is tailored to your needs.

Our comprehensive asbestos surveys comply with the HSE regulations and industry standards, and are delivered in a timely and efficient manner. Our Asbestos Survey Report or Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey Report includes detailed recommendations for managing and removing asbestos safely and legally.

We are committed to your safety and that of the environment. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos during our surveys and removal work. We also ensure that all ACMs are disposed of safely and in accordance with the legal requirements.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is based in Devon, South West England, and serves local customers as well as those in neighbouring counties. We can help you comply with your obligations as a duty holder, and ensure that your building is asbestos-free or safely managed. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to book your asbestos survey or for any further information.