When Do You Need An Asbestos Refurbishment Survey In Devon?

If you live or work in Devon or the surrounding areas and your building was built before the year 2000, there is a good chance that it contains asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction due to its fire-resistant properties, but it is now known to be highly toxic and carcinogenic. If the asbestos in your building is disturbed or damaged, it can release dangerous fibers into the air that can cause serious respiratory illnesses including lung cancer.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are an asbestos survey company in Devon, specializing in the identification and safe removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from buildings. We understand that asbestos removal can be expensive and disruptive, which is why we always aim to provide affordable asbestos removal solutions to our clients.

What is an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey?

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a building that was built before the year 2000, you are legally required to have an asbestos survey carried out. An asbestos refurbishment survey is a specific type of survey that is designed to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition process.

The aim of the survey is to ensure that any potential risks associated with asbestos are identified and managed prior to any work commencing on the building. The survey will also provide information on the location, condition, and extent of any ACMs present in the building. This information is critical for the safe removal and disposal of any asbestos-containing materials prior to the commencement of any work.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires an asbestos survey to be carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition work on buildings built before the year 2000. The reason for this requirement is that any work that disturbs ACMs can release dangerous fibers into the air, which can cause serious respiratory illnesses including lung cancer.

If an asbestos survey is not carried out prior to the work commencing, the ACMs may be disturbed and pose a risk to the health and safety of anyone on the site. The HSE may also impose fines or legal action if the asbestos regulations are not followed.

Therefore, it is essential to have an asbestos refurbishment survey carried out before any work commences on a building that may contain asbestos. This will ensure that any ACMs are identified and managed in a safe and professional manner, ensuring the health and safety of everyone on the site.

When Do You Need an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey?

You will need an asbestos refurbishment survey if you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a building that was built before the year 2000. This includes both domestic and non-domestic buildings.

Some examples of refurbishment or demolition work that would require an asbestos refurbishment survey include:

• Removing walls or ceilings
• Refurbishing a kitchen or bathroom
• Installing new heating systems or air conditioning units
• Demolishing a building

It is important to note that even if you are only planning minor refurbishment work, such as replacing a single tile or light fitting, you may still require an asbestos refurbishment survey. The presence of asbestos in a building can be unpredictable and difficult to detect, therefore it is best to err on the side of caution and have a survey carried out.

What Happens During an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey?

An asbestos refurbishment survey is carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor. The surveyor will conduct a thorough inspection of the building, using various techniques and equipment to identify any ACMs that may be present.

The surveyor will take samples of any suspicious materials and send them to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis will determine whether the material contains asbestos and what type of asbestos it is.

Once the survey has been completed, the surveyor will provide a detailed report outlining the location, condition, and extent of any ACMs present in the building. The report will also provide recommendations on how to manage any ACMs identified, including safe removal and disposal methods.

Asbestos Surveys Required For Demolition

If you are planning to demolish a building, you will need to have an asbestos survey carried out prior to commencing any work. The survey will determine if there are any ACMs present in the building and if so, the surveyor will provide recommendations on how to manage and safely remove the ACMs.

If ACMs are identified, they will need to be removed by a licensed asbestos removal company prior to the demolition work commencing. This will ensure the safety of the workers on the site and prevent dangerous asbestos fibers being released into the environment.

Non-Domestic Asbestos Surveys

Non-domestic buildings such as offices, shops, and industrial premises are more likely to contain asbestos than residential properties. Therefore, it is vital that non-domestic buildings undergo regular asbestos surveys to ensure the safety of the occupants.

If you own or manage a non-domestic property, you are legally required to have an asbestos survey carried out every two years, or when any significant refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken. This includes factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools, and public buildings.

Non-domestic asbestos surveys can be carried out as part of a management survey or a refurbishment/demolition survey, depending on what work is being carried out on the building.

Domestic Asbestos Surveys

Domestic properties such as houses and flats are also at risk of containing asbestos, particularly those built before the year 2000. Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of properties prior to this date, particularly for insulation purposes.

If you own or are planning to purchase a domestic property, it is recommended that you have an asbestos survey carried out to determine if the property contains any ACMs. This will ensure that the safety of the occupants is not jeopardized and any ACMs can be managed safely.

Domestic asbestos surveys are usually carried out as a management survey and are less invasive than refurbishment or demolition surveys.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for Your Asbestos Surveys?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality asbestos surveying and removal services at an affordable price.

All of our surveyors are fully qualified and experienced in carrying out asbestos surveys, and we use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and safety.

We operate throughout Devon and the South West of England, and our team is available 24/7 to respond to any emergency asbestos situations.

Contact us today on 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey requirements or for a free, no-obligation quote.

Conclusion

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a building that was built before the year 2000, it is essential to have an asbestos refurbishment survey carried out. This will ensure that any ACMs are identified and managed safely, preventing the release of dangerous fibers into the environment.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the importance of asbestos surveys and removal, and we are committed to providing our clients with affordable and professional services. Contact us today to discuss your asbestos survey requirements and for a free, no-obligation quote.