What Types Of Current Asbestos Surveys Are There In Devon

Asbestos is a mineral substance that was widely used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant properties. Its small fibers could be easily inhaled and lodged in the lungs, causing severe and sometimes fatal diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, the UK government banned the use of asbestos in new buildings in 1999, but many properties built before that date still contain this hazardous material.

In Devon, like in the rest of the UK, it's crucial to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings and manage them safely to protect the health and safety of occupants, contractors, and visitors. Conducting an asbestos survey is the first step in that process.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Are A Asbestos Survey Company In Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a team of experienced asbestos surveyors based in Devon. Our goal is to provide our clients with reliable and cost-effective asbestos management solutions. Our services range from asbestos surveys to asbestos removal, encapsulation, and disposal.

We understand that asbestos issues can be complex and confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the legislation and guidelines surrounding this hazardous material. That's why we aim to provide clear and actionable advice to our clients, along with comprehensive reports that explain the results of our surveys and outline the next steps for managing asbestos in their buildings.

Asbestos Survey Types

There are two main types of asbestos surveys that we conduct: asbestos management surveys and asbestos refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Asbestos Management Survey

An asbestos management survey is a non-destructive survey that aims to identify, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence, type, extent, and condition of ACMs in a building. The survey will also assess the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers and provide recommendations for managing and monitoring any ACMs found.

This type of survey is required under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for all non-domestic properties built before 2000. It's also recommended for domestic properties built before 2000, especially if they are undergoing refurbishment or significant alteration works.

Asbestos Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

An asbestos refurbishment/demolition survey, as the name suggests, is a more intrusive and destructive type of survey that aims to locate all ACMs in a building before refurbishment or demolition works take place. The survey will involve taking samples of suspected ACMs and analyzing them in a laboratory to confirm the presence and type of asbestos.

This type of survey is required under Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for all refurbishment and demolition works in buildings built before 2000. It's essential to conduct this survey before any works begin to prevent asbestos fibers from being released into the air and causing health problems.

Asbestos Survey Materials

During both types of surveys, we will inspect various materials in a building to identify any ACMs present. The types of materials that can contain asbestos include:

• Thermal insulation materials (e.g., pipe lagging, boiler insulation, sprayed coatings)
• Ceiling tiles and panels
• Floor tiles and adhesive
• Roofing and wall cladding sheets
• Textured decorative coatings (e.g., Artex)
• Asbestos cement products (e.g., corrugated roofs, flues, gutters)

The exact materials that we will inspect will depend on the type and age of the building, as well as the purpose of the survey.

Asbestos Survey Legislation

Conducting asbestos surveys and managing ACMs is not only recommended for health and safety reasons; it's also a legal obligation under UK legislation. The main legislation that governs asbestos in the UK is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

These regulations require duty-holders (e.g., building owners, landlords, employers) to:

• Identify any ACMs in their buildings
• Assess the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers
• Prepare a written plan to manage the asbestos safely
• Monitor the condition of any ACMs present
• Inform anyone who could be at risk of exposure to asbestos (e.g., contractors, employees, occupants)

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. It's essential to work with a reputable and qualified asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to ensure compliance with the legislation and the safety of all involved.

Asbestos Survey in Devon

Asbestos surveys are necessary for any property owner or manager in Devon who wants to ensure the safety of their employees, tenants, or visitors. Devon is a county in the South West of England and has a high number of older buildings that may contain asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we have extensive experience in conducting asbestos surveys in Devon and the surrounding areas. Our team of surveyors is fully trained and qualified to carry out both types of surveys, using the latest equipment and techniques to identify any ACMs present.

We understand that each property is unique, and we tailor our surveys to meet the specific needs and requirements of our clients. Our reports are clear, concise, and easy to understand, and we provide detailed advice on how to manage any ACMs found.

Also, Asbestos Removal

If ACMs are found during a survey, the next step is to decide how best to manage them. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the asbestos completely. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we have a team of licensed and experienced asbestos removal specialists who can safely remove and dispose of any ACMs found in your building. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that the removal works are carried out safely and efficiently, minimizing any disruption to your business or home life.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are critical for identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials in buildings in Devon, and we at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon are here to help. Whether you need a management survey, a refurbishment/demolition survey, or asbestos removal services, we have the skills, experience, and expertise to help you comply with legislation and keep your building safe.

If you need an asbestos survey or have any questions about managing ACMs, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and our team.