What Is The Test For Asbestos In Devon?

Welcome to Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, a leading asbestos testing company based in Devon, South West England. We are here to guide you on everything you need to know about asbestos testing as well as the specific points you need to consider when carrying out a survey for asbestos in buildings.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials before its ban in 1999. It was a popular material due to its insulating, fireproof and durable properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres could cause fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos can still be found in many buildings, particularly those constructed before the 1980s, and it is essential to identify and remove it to prevent its health hazards.

Asbestos Testing

Testing for asbestos is crucial to determine the presence and type of asbestos in materials. There are two main types of asbestos: serpentine and amphibole. Serpentine asbestos includes chrysotile, which is the most common form of asbestos, while amphibole asbestos consists of five types, including crocidolite and amosite.

To test for asbestos, we take samples of materials suspected to contain the mineral. We then conduct a complete and full analysis of the samples to determine whether asbestos is present or not.

Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are essential in identifying potentially hazardous materials in a building. Asbestos surveys are crucial before any renovation or demolition work is carried out in a building.

Asbestos surveys involve inspecting a building for materials that contain asbestos. The survey should be carried out by a competent person who can identify potential asbestos-containing materials and take appropriate samples for testing.

How We Take Samples

We take samples of materials that may contain asbestos using a unique testing kit. The testing kit includes protective gear such as gloves, a respirator and a disposable overall. We take the sample by scraping or drilling the material, ensuring not to generate dust.

Once we have collected the sample, we package it in a secure container and send it to a UKAS accredited laboratory for testing. The laboratory then carries out the necessary analysis and provides us with the results.

Asbestos Testing- Whether and When

If you suspect that your building may contain asbestos, you need to carry out an asbestos survey. The survey will help determine the extent of the asbestos-containing materials and their condition. The results of the survey will determine whether or not you need asbestos testing.

Asbestos testing is particularly essential in cases where there is a risk of disturbing the asbestos. Disturbing asbestos can cause the release of asbestos fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and pose a health risk.

Moreover, if you are carrying out renovations or demolition work in a building constructed before 2000, you should assume that there may be asbestos-containing materials present. As such, it is crucial to have an asbestos survey and testing carried out before commencing the work.

Should Or Shouldn't Asbestos be Messed With?

If you suspect that your building may contain asbestos, it is essential to avoid disturbing the material. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and not disturbed pose less of a risk than those that have been damaged or disturbed.

If you must work with asbestos-containing materials, you should take strict precautions to prevent the release of asbestos fibres. This involves using protective equipment, ensuring adequate ventilation and following safe work practices.

If you suspect that asbestos-containing materials have been damaged, it is essential to seek professional advice on how to manage the situation.

Specific Points to Consider When Carrying Out an Asbestos Survey

When carrying out an asbestos survey, there are specific points that you need to consider. These points will help ensure that the survey is carried out adequately and accurately.

• Identify the purpose of the survey: The purpose of the survey will determine the extent and scope of the survey.
• Identify the building's age: The age of the building will give insight into the type of materials used in construction and the likelihood of asbestos-containing materials being present.
• Identify the type of survey needed: Asbestos surveys are of different types, including management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. The type of survey required will depend on the purpose of the survey.
• Identify the areas of the building to be surveyed: The areas to be surveyed will depend on the purpose of the survey and the building's age.
• Identify the required training and qualification: The surveyor carrying out the survey must be competent and qualified to carry out asbestos surveys.
• Identify sampling procedures: Sampling procedures must be carried out correctly to ensure accurate asbestos testing results.
• Identify asbestos management procedures: The asbestos survey must provide adequate information on how to manage asbestos-containing materials in the building.

Additional Information

For more information about asbestos testing and removal, please get in touch with us. We are here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with professional advice and services.

Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us on [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information about our services.