What Size Drawing Plan Is Needed for an Asbestos Survey in Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was often used in building materials such as insulation and roofing tiles due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it has since been discovered that asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As such, it is important for buildings and premises to undergo an asbestos survey to assess whether they contain any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are an asbestos survey company operating in Devon, South West England. We provide surveys to building owners and managers who need to determine whether there are any ACMs in their premises. In this article, we will discuss the size drawing plan that is needed for an asbestos survey in Devon.

The Importance of Asbestos Surveys

Before we delve into the specifics of drawing plans for asbestos surveys, let us first discuss why asbestos surveys are important. Any building or premises that was built before the year 2000 is likely to contain asbestos as it was commonly used in construction materials until its ban in the UK in 1999. Asbestos can be present in a variety of materials, including floor tiles, insulation, cement, and roofing.

If asbestos is disturbed, it can release dangerous fibres into the air which, when inhaled, can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the presence of ACMs in a building or premises to ensure that proper precautions can be taken in the event that any demolition or refurbishment works are required.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

In the UK, there are two types of asbestos surveys that can be carried out: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that aims to identify any ACMs that may be present in a building or premises. The surveyor will take samples of any materials that are suspected to contain asbestos and then send them to a lab for analysis. The surveyor will then produce a report that details the locations of any ACMs, the types of materials that contain asbestos, and recommendations for management of the asbestos.

A refurbishment/demolition survey, on the other hand, is a more intrusive survey that must be carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition works taking place. This is to ensure that any ACMs are identified and can be safely removed before works commence. This survey involves taking samples of suspected ACMs and may also involve breaking down walls or floors to access hidden asbestos. A report is then produced that details the location and types of ACMs, as well as recommendations for asbestos removal.

The Role of Drawing Plans in Asbestos Surveys

Drawing plans are an important part of an asbestos survey as they provide a visual representation of the location of any ACMs within a building or premises. These plans can also help to identify any areas in which an asbestos surveyor may encounter difficulties when trying to access potential ACMs.

There are two types of drawing plans that may be required for an asbestos survey: 2D plans and 3D plans.

2D Plans

2D plans are the most basic type of drawing plan and provide a two-dimensional view of a building or premises. These types of plans are useful for highlighting areas in which ACMs may be present and can be used to mark out remedial action areas.

If a management survey is being carried out, a 2D plan may be suitable as it is a non-intrusive survey and does not require a detailed view of the internal structure of a building. However, if a refurbishment/demolition survey is being carried out, a more detailed plan may be required.

3D Plans

3D plans provide a detailed view of the internal structure of a building or premises and can be used to identify potential ACMs in hard-to-reach locations such as crawl spaces or attics. These types of plans are particularly useful for refurbishment/demolition surveys as they provide a more accurate depiction of the internal structure of a building.

3D plans can be created using specialised software or by hand-drawing plans. However, software is often preferred as it can provide a more accurate and detailed view of a building or premises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drawing plans are an important part of an asbestos survey as they provide a visual representation of the location of any ACMs within a building or premises. The type of drawing plan required will depend on the type of survey being carried out and the level of detail required. A non-intrusive management survey may only require a 2D plan, whereas a more detailed refurbishment/demolition survey may require a 3D plan.

If you require an asbestos survey in Devon or the surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We are a professional and reliable asbestos survey company that can provide 2D and 3D drawing plans as part of our comprehensive survey reports. Contact us today for more information on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].