When Do You Need An R & D Asbestos Survey In Devon

If you own a commercial or industrial property in Devon, you may need to consider an R & D asbestos survey. Asbestos is a dangerous material once used in a variety of construction materials, and if present, it can pose a significant threat to human health. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon that can help you determine if your building contains asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was once widely used in building construction due to its insulating properties and fire resistance. Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it is still present in many older buildings, particularly those built before the 1980s.

When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled, causing serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is a hazardous material and should only be handled by professionals trained in its safe removal and disposal.

Why Conduct an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a crucial first step in identifying if asbestos is present in a building. Conducting an asbestos survey is especially important if you are planning to carry out any refurbishment, demolition or maintenance work on a building. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that if asbestos is identified, it must be safely managed or removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

If you own a building in Devon or the South West of England, it is your legal duty to manage asbestos if it is identified in your property. It is important to note that an asbestos survey must be conducted by a qualified and experienced professional to ensure the safety of building occupants and workers.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. The type of survey required will depend on the age of the building and the type of work you plan to undertake.

Management Surveys: Management surveys are designed to locate the presence and extent of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. This type of survey is essential for anyone responsible for a non-domestic property, including landlords, building owners, and managers. The survey will identify the location of ACMs, assess their condition, and recommend action to be taken.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys: Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more intrusive and are required before any works that will disturb the fabric of a building are carried out. This survey will locate and identify any ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned works, assess their condition, and provide advice on appropriate remedial work.

When Is an Asbestos Survey Needed?

An asbestos survey is always needed if you are planning to carry out refurbishment or demolition work on a building, regardless of its age. However, an asbestos survey may also be needed if:

• You are responsible for a non-domestic property and it has not been surveyed for asbestos before.
• You suspect asbestos-containing materials may be present in a building.
• A building is undergoing a change of use, and its previous use may have resulted in asbestos-containing materials being used.

If you are unsure whether you need an asbestos survey, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you determine if an asbestos survey is required for your building.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon Help?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional and experienced asbestos survey company in Devon. We offer a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, sampling and testing, asbestos removal, and asbestos management plans.

Our industry-qualified surveyors are fully trained and experienced, and they follow strict procedures to ensure the safety of building occupants, workers, and themselves. We use state-of-the-art equipment to locate and identify asbestos-containing materials, and our reports are detailed, accurate, and easy to understand.

If you need an R & D asbestos survey in Devon or the South West of England, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today. Our phone number is 01962 458066, and our email address is [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.