What Is The Minimum Requirement For Asbestos Survey In Devon?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once widely used in the construction of buildings. It is now known to cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in many domestic properties built before the year 2000. If you own or manage a property in Devon that was built before 2000, then you have a duty to manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) as part of your overall duty to manage your property.

Before you can manage your ACMs, you need to know where they are. This is where an asbestos survey comes in. An asbestos survey is a type of building survey that identifies the location, type, and condition of any ACMs in a building. It is essential to have an asbestos survey carried out so that you can manage any asbestos risks properly.

As a homeowner, landlord or property manager in Devon, it is crucial to be aware of the minimum requirements for asbestos survey. This guide will provide you with all the information you need on asbestos surveys in Devon and the types of surveys that may be required to manage asbestos safely.

The Risks of Asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once widely used in construction materials. When asbestos materials are disturbed, they release tiny fibres that can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibres can cause a range of serious and sometimes fatal lung diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. It can take several decades for these illnesses to develop, and once diagnosed, there is no cure.

Any building constructed before the year 2000 is likely to contain ACMs. For example, asbestos can be found in ceiling tiles, insulation, and flooring. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and are not damaged or disturbed are not considered to be a significant risk. However, if these materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

The Duty to Manage Asbestos

As a homeowner, landlord, or property manager in Devon, you have a duty to manage any asbestos risks in your property. This duty is outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which requires you to:

• Take reasonable steps to find out whether your property contains asbestos
• Document and maintain up-to-date information about any ACMs in your property
• Assess the risk from any ACMs in your property
• Prepare a plan for managing ACMs
• Ensure that any workers who may disturb the asbestos are trained and competent

The first step in managing asbestos in your property is to have an asbestos survey carried out.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys that may be required in Devon: a management survey and a refurbishment or demolition survey.

Management Survey

A management survey is the least intrusive survey and is used to locate the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials in your building. This survey is designed to identify any ACMs that may be damaged, disturbed or pose a risk to health.

A management survey can be conducted on any domestic property, including houses, flats and bungalows. The surveyor will inspect the property and take samples of any suspected ACMs, which will be analysed in a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos.

The management survey is required if you are the duty holder of a non-domestic property, such as a factory, office or hospital. The survey will help you to manage the asbestos risks in the building effectively.

Refurbishment or Demolition Survey

A refurbishment or demolition survey is a more intrusive survey and is used before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. This survey is designed to locate all the ACMs in a building, including those that may be hidden behind walls, ceilings or floors.

This survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition takes place, as any disturbance to the asbestos-containing materials could release dangerous fibres into the air. The survey will help to ensure that any asbestos materials are removed safely before the work begins.

Asbestos Survey Requirements in Devon

If you own or manage a domestic property in Devon that was built before 2000, you should have a management survey carried out to identify any ACMs. If you are the duty holder of a non-domestic property, such as an office, factory or hospital, you are required by law to have a management survey carried out.

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a property in Devon, you are required to have a refurbishment or demolition survey carried out. This survey will identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the work and ensure they are removed safely.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses a serious health risk to anyone who may be exposed to it. If you own or manage a property in Devon that was built before 2000, then you have a duty to manage any asbestos-containing materials as part of your overall duty to manage your property.

The minimum requirement for an asbestos survey in Devon depends on the type of property you own or manage. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer a range of asbestos surveys to help you manage any risks safely. Call us today at 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected] to speak to one of our experts.