What Is Asbestos Survey in Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was widely used during the 20th century for its heat resistance, strength and insulation properties. However, it has since been discovered to pose a serious health risk to humans, making asbestos management and removal all the more vital. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause severe health problems including lung cancer and asbestosis, both of which can be fatal.

If you own or manage a property in Devon, South West England, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on your premises are managed safely. One of the best ways to do this is to undertake an asbestos survey. This is where Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon come in we are an asbestos survey company in Devon, specialising in asbestos survey and management for properties in the area.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building or premises, to identify the presence of ACMs. The purpose of an asbestos survey is to locate, assess and report on the presence and condition of any ACMs found in a property. This includes identifying any possible risks of asbestos exposure, including any potential risks to the building occupants or any contractors who may be working on the site.

There are two main types of asbestos survey: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Survey

A management survey is a standard survey carried out on all commercial properties, including public buildings such as schools, hospitals and libraries, as well as offices and factories. The purpose is to locate all ACMs in a property, compile a list of them and assess their condition.

A management survey also provides a practical guide for managing asbestos-containing materials, helping to keep the building and its occupants safe from danger. A management survey will generally be non-intrusive and only involve minor damage to the building's structure, if any.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment or demolition survey is a more invasive survey carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition work on a building. The purpose is to locate all ACMs in a property that may be disturbed during the work and must be removed before the work can begin.

The survey will usually involve more extensive access to different areas of the building, making use of specialist equipment to access difficult-to-reach areas. This type of survey will be more intrusive and may involve minor damage to the building's structure.

The Asbestos Survey Process

The asbestos survey process involves four main stages:

Stage One Planning and Preparation

The first stage of an asbestos survey is to plan and prepare. Our surveyor will work with you to understand your needs and requirements, identifying any specific areas of concern that you may have. Our surveyor will also ensure that the correct type of survey is undertaken for your property and arrange a suitable date and time for the survey to take place.

Stage Two Conducting the Survey

Once the planning and preparation have been completed, our surveyor will begin the survey itself. The survey will involve inspecting all the areas of the property where ACMs may be located, including ceilings, walls, roof spaces, and floors. Our surveyor will use specialist equipment, including borescopes, to access difficult-to-reach areas.

During the survey, our surveyor will take samples of any suspected ACMs found. These samples will be sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for testing, to determine whether the materials contain asbestos.

Stage Three Reporting

Once the survey has been completed, our surveyor will compile a detailed report of their findings. This report will include information on the location and condition of any identified ACMs, as well as recommendations for management or removal of the materials.

The report will be tailored to your specific property, taking into account any areas of particular concern that were identified during the survey. The report will be delivered to you as quickly as possible to help you take the necessary steps to manage or remove any identified ACMs.

Stage Four Management or Removal

If ACMs are identified during the survey, management or removal steps will need to be taken. Our team will work with you to develop a management plan, outlining the correct steps to take to ensure that any ACMs present are safely managed.

If more serious action is required and the asbestos must be removed, our team can provide this service as well. Our asbestos removal team will always work in accordance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, ensuring that the work is carried out safely and effectively.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the importance of safe asbestos management. We are fully licensed and insured, and our surveyors are fully trained and experienced, ensuring that any asbestos surveys we undertake are completed to the highest standard.

We are committed to providing our clients with the very best service possible, taking the time to ensure that their individual needs are met. We work with properties of all types and sizes, from domestic properties to commercial premises, offering tailored services to suit everyone.

How to Contact Us

If you require an asbestos survey or management service for your property in Devon, we are here to help. You can contact us for a free, no obligation quote by calling us on 01962 458066, or by emailing us at [email protected].

You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk, to find out more about our services, view our customer reviews and contact us via our online form. We look forward to working with you to ensure that your property is safe from the risks of asbestos exposure.