What Is An Intrusive Asbestos Survey In Devon: Understanding the Importance of Asbestos Survey for Your Property

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was widely used as a building material between the 1950s and late 1980s. It was used primarily because of its fire-resistant and insulation properties. However, it is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. In order to prevent these illnesses, it is important to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are identified and appropriately managed. This is where an intrusive asbestos survey comes in.

What is an Intrusive Asbestos Survey?

An intrusive asbestos survey is a detailed investigation of a property that involves the physical disturbance of ACM to assess its condition and the risk it poses to occupants of the building. This type of survey is required when a building is due to undergo refurbishment or demolition. An intrusive asbestos survey is more thorough than a management survey, which is a non-destructive survey that aims to locate, as far as is reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any ACM in a building.

Why is an Intrusive Asbestos Survey Needed?

Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Anyone exposed to these fibers risks serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. An intrusive asbestos survey is important because it helps to identify the presence of ACM and its condition, providing essential information that can be used to manage the risk of exposure to asbestos. It is also a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

What Does an Intrusive Asbestos Survey Involve?

An intrusive asbestos survey can be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring the services of a trained and experienced asbestos surveyor. The survey involves the physical disturbance of ACM in order to assess its condition and the risk it poses to building occupants. This may include:

1. Removal of small quantities of the material, such as plaster or debris, to inspect the underlying layers.

2. Drilling, cutting or taking samples of the material to determine its asbestos content.

3. Taking photographs and creating a detailed site plan or blueprint of the property.

4. Recording and reporting on the condition and potential risk posed by any ACM discovered.

The surveyor will also take into consideration the type of building being surveyed and the type of work that is planned, such as refurbishment or demolition.

What Types of Surveys are There?

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management Survey - This survey is a non-intrusive survey that aims to locate, as far as is reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any ACM in a building. The purpose of the survey is to ensure that the building can be managed safely, and that adequate measures are in place to prevent accidental damage to any ACM.

2. Intrusive Asbestos Survey - This survey is a detailed investigation of a property that involves the physical disturbance of ACM to assess its condition and the risk it poses to building occupants. This survey is required when a building is due to undergo refurbishment or demolition.

When Is An Intrusive Asbestos Survey Needed?

An intrusive asbestos survey is necessary when a building is due to undergo refurbishment or demolition. The survey helps to identify and assess the condition of ACM in the building, providing essential information that can be used to manage the risk of exposure to asbestos. If asbestos is found, the surveyor will provide advice on how best to manage the ACM and ensure the safety of the building occupants.

Who Can Undertake an Intrusive Asbestos Survey?

The person undertaking an intrusive asbestos survey must be trained and competent to do so. This means that they must have the skills, knowledge, and experience to undertake the survey in a safe and effective manner. It is important to choose a reputable and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, to ensure that the survey is carried out correctly and that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and managed safely.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment and demolition surveys are specific types of intrusive asbestos surveys that are required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. They are designed to identify and locate asbestos-containing materials that may pose a risk during the course of the work. Refurbishment and demolition surveys are more intrusive than a management survey and require a trained and experienced surveyor who can carry out the survey safely.

Do You Need An Intrusive Asbestos Survey?

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a property built before the 1990s, it is important to have an intrusive asbestos survey carried out. This will provide essential information about the presence and condition of any ACM, allowing you to manage the risk of exposure to asbestos during the course of the work. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon that can provide you with a thorough and reliable survey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an intrusive asbestos survey is a detailed investigation of a property that involves the physical disturbance of ACM to assess its condition and the risk it poses to building occupants. The survey is essential when a building is due to undergo refurbishment or demolition, as it helps to identify and manage the risk of exposure to asbestos. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon that can provide you with a thorough and reliable survey. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or at [email protected] to discuss your requirements.