What Is Involved In An Asbestos Survey In Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its strong, durable and fire-resistant properties. However, in the 1970s, it was discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to severe health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. This led to strict regulations surrounding the use, handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

If you own or manage a property in Devon, South West England, you may need to conduct an asbestos survey to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This guide will explain what an asbestos survey is, what is involved, and how Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos survey and removal company based in Devon, South West England. We have years of experience in the asbestos industry, and our team of professionals is fully trained, insured, and accredited to provide high-quality services to our clients.

Our mission is to make asbestos removal affordable and accessible to everyone, without compromising on safety or quality. We believe that every property owner has the right to a safe and healthy indoor environment, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve that.

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, or if you need to comply with the legal requirements for asbestos surveys and management, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. You can reach us by phone at 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected]. We also invite you to visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and expertise.

Asbestos, Survey, and Materials

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection and assessment of a building or property to determine whether it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and to develop an asbestos management plan to protect people from exposure to these hazardous materials.

ACMs are commonly used in building materials, such as roofing sheets, insulation, floor tiles, and cement, among others. An asbestos survey is necessary to identify the presence, location, type, and condition of ACMs in a building and to evaluate the risks they pose to people's health and safety.

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management survey: This is a standard survey that is required for all non-domestic properties, including commercial, industrial, and public buildings, as well as residential buildings that are shared by multiple households, such as flats and nursing homes. The purpose of a management survey is to locate the ACMs that are likely to be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy, maintenance, or minor refurbishment works. The survey will identify the ACMs' location, extent, and condition and will recommend appropriate control measures to prevent or minimize exposure to asbestos fibers.

2. Refurbishment or demolition survey: This is a specialized survey that is required before any major refurbishment, renovation, or demolition works that may disturb the building's structure and fabric. The purpose of the survey is to locate and identify all ACMs in the building and evaluate their condition and friability (ability to release fibers when damaged). The survey will also recommend appropriate control measures and the safe removal of any ACMs before the works commence.

Asbestos Management and Property Type

Asbestos management is the process of identifying and assessing the risks associated with ACMs in a building and implementing control measures to avoid or minimize exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos management is a legal requirement for all non-domestic properties and for domestic properties that are shared by multiple households.

The type of property and its condition will determine the level and scope of asbestos management required. For example, a newly constructed building is less likely to contain ACMs than a building that was constructed in the 1970s or earlier. However, even new buildings may contain imported materials that were manufactured in countries that do not have strict asbestos regulations.

Likewise, a residential property that is occupied by a single household may not require a full asbestos management plan, but it still may contain some ACMs that need to be identified and managed appropriately.

The key is to undertake an asbestos survey before any works are commenced, to ensure that the risks are fully understood and that the necessary control measures are implemented.

Inspection of Materials and Building

An asbestos survey involves a thorough inspection of all accessible materials and areas of a building to identify any potential ACMs. The surveyors will use various techniques, tools, and equipment to detect and sample materials suspected to contain asbestos fibers.

The surveyors will take several samples of different materials and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will examine the samples under a microscope and determine whether they contain asbestos fibers, and if so, what type and how much.

The sampling and analysis process is crucial to determine the extent and nature of any ACMs and to design appropriate management and removal strategies. The surveyors will also assess and record the condition of all ACMs, including their accessibility, friability, and potential for damage or disturbance.

Compliance with Asbestos, Survey, and Management

Asbestos regulations require all property owners, occupiers, and managers to comply with the legal requirements for asbestos, survey, and management. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in severe fines and legal action, and most importantly, can put people's health and safety at risk.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 stipulates that every non-domestic property constructed before 2000 must have an asbestos management plan in place. The management plan must include the following:

1. Identification of all ACMs in the building, including their location and condition.

2. Risk assessment of the ACMs' potential for exposure and harm.

3. Action plan that outlines the control measures to be taken to manage the ACMs, including repair, encapsulation, or removal.

4. Written records of the asbestos management plan, including any changes, updates, or reviews.

If you own or manage a non-domestic property, it is your legal obligation to comply with these regulations and to ensure that your employees, contractors, and visitors are not exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Survey and Management Report

An asbestos survey and management report is an essential document that summarizes the results of the asbestos survey and outlines the recommended control measures to manage or remove the ACMs. The report must be prepared by a qualified and accredited asbestos surveyor and must include the following information:

1. Introduction and scope of the survey.

2. Details of the property, including its type, condition, and occupancy.

3. Findings of the survey, including the location, extent, and condition of all identified ACMs.

4. Risk assessment of the ACMs, including the potential for exposure and harm.

5. Recommendations for the control measures to be taken, including repair, encapsulation, or removal.

6. Conclusion and summary of the survey.

7. Appendices that provide more detailed information, such as laboratory analysis reports, photographs, and floor plans.

The asbestos survey and management report is a critical document that must be kept on file and reviewed periodically to ensure that the control measures are still effective and that any changes in the property or the ACMs are recorded and managed appropriately.

Accreditation and Surveys in Devon

Accreditation and qualifications are essential factors to consider when choosing an asbestos survey and removal company. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is fully accredited and qualified to carry out asbestos surveys and removals in Devon, South West England.

We are accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) to carry out management surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, and asbestos removal activities in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards. We also hold the following qualifications and memberships:

1. BOHS P402, P403, and P404 qualifications for asbestos surveying and management.

2. BOHS W504 qualification for asbestos analysis and identification.

3. CHAS and SafeContractor accreditations for health and safety.

4. ARCA membership for asbestos removal contractors.

These accreditations and qualifications demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality services that meet or exceed the legal and professional standards for asbestos surveys and management.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is an essential step in protecting people's health and safety from the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials. It is a legal requirement for all non-domestic properties and for domestic properties that are shared by multiple households.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable and experienced asbestos survey and removal company based in Devon, South West England. We are fully accredited and qualified to carry out management surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, and asbestos removal activities in accordance with the highest standards of quality and safety.

If you need an asbestos survey or management plan for your property, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. We will provide you with a comprehensive and affordable solution that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. You can reach us by phone at 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected].