What is a Full Asbestos Survey in Devon?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It is found in many buildings built before 2000 and can often go unnoticed. As a result, it is essential to conduct full asbestos surveys to identify the presence of asbestos fibers in buildings.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon. Our team is equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to conduct thorough asbestos surveys in various buildings, including commercial and residential properties.

In this article, we will explore what a full asbestos survey is, what it entails, and why it is necessary.

The Basics of Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of thin fibers. Building companies extensively used it for insulation and fireproofing properties in the 20th century. Unfortunately, asbestos can cause health problems when exposed to as its fibers can be inhaled, leading to several forms of cancers.

Asbestos is now banned in many countries since its toxicity was discovered. However, many buildings built before 2000 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present in various parts of their structure. Asbestos can be present in insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles and other building materials.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed visual inspection of a building that aims to identify any ACMs present. The survey's goal is to detect areas where asbestos fibers could be present, estimate the condition of those materials if they seem dangerous, and most importantly recognize the risk they pose to the building's occupants.

Several types of asbestos surveys exist, and the level of inspection required depends on the purpose of the survey. The most common asbestos surveys are:

Management Surveys

A management asbestos survey is the most basic survey type; its purpose is to assess the existence and condition of any ACMs inside a building. The surveyors will collect samples of the materials they suspect contain asbestos and send them to the lab for testing. The material's condition is also recorded, and the risk it posses is assessed in a report on the survey's completion.

A management asbestos survey is essential for any building owner to create and implement an asbestos management plan. The report produced in a management survey lists all the ACMs present in the building, the location of the materials, their condition, and the recommended action required to minimize the risk.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

If you plan to refurbish or demolish a building, a pre-existing asbestos survey is necessary. A pre-refurbishment or pre-demolition survey inspects the entire building, whereas a management survey only inspects specific areas of a building.

During a pre-refurbishment or pre-demolition survey, the surveyors will collect samples from all areas of a building, not just the suspected areas. The samples' condition is also recorded to determine the risk of airborne asbestos fibers getting into the air during the refurbishment or demolition.

The Importance of Asbestos Surveys

The importance of conducting an asbestos survey cannot be overstated. It is essential to ensure the safety of the building's occupants, as well as the individuals who may work on or near the building.

The law requires commercial building owners to identify and manage asbestos within their buildings under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulations became enforceable in 2015 and state that any commercial property built before 2000 should have had an asbestos survey carried out.

An asbestos survey will:

• Identify any ACMs present, avoid the risk of unknowingly exposing workers or residents to asbestos.

• Provide a detailed report of the location, condition, and quantity of any ACMs tested.

• Help the building owner recognize the risk of the ACMs and implement strategies to minimize the asbestos danger.

• Produce a management plan to ensure everyone working or visiting the building knows about the ACMs and how to protect themselves.

Who Can Conduct an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys should only be conducted by trained and competent surveyors. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set requirements that asbestos surveyors must meet, and they are responsible for ensuring the asbestos survey's quality.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed and accredited company with years of experience in conducting asbestos surveys in Devon and the South West of England. Our surveyors are fully qualified and follow the HSE guidelines during every survey.

The Costs of Asbestos Surveys

The cost of an asbestos survey varies depending on the size of the building and the type of survey needed. A management survey is less expensive than the pre-refurbishment or pre-demolition survey.

However, the cost of an asbestos survey is a small price to pay compared to the risk of unknowingly exposing yourself or others to hazardous asbestos fibers. Additionally, by knowing where ACMs are located and the required action that needs to be taken, you can save on costs related to future building works and maintenance.

Conclusion

Whether you own or manage a commercial or residential building in Devon, it is essential to conduct regular asbestos surveys to find and identify ACMs. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can provide accurate and detailed asbestos surveys that meet the Control of Asbestos Regulations of 2012.

Our experienced surveyors use state-of-the-art equipment, and we carefully plan each survey to ensure complete efficiency and accuracy. We are available to answer any questions about our survey process and to provide you with a comprehensive quotation tailored to your unique needs.

Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist you in any way possible. Alternatively, please visit our website affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.