When Is a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey Required in Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials between the 1950s and the 1980s. Though it was initially considered a "miracle mineral" due to its fire-resistant and insulation properties, it was later discovered to be highly dangerous to human health.

Exposure to asbestos can cause respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-related diseases cause around 5,000 deaths in the UK annually.

Asbestos is present in many old buildings in Devon, and its removal should be taken seriously. The Government has set out clear guidelines on when a refurbishment and demolition (R&D) asbestos survey is required in Devon and the rest of the UK. In this article, we'll explore these guidelines and explain what you should know about asbestos surveys.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building to identify any hazardous asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. The survey is usually carried out by a specialist asbestos surveyor who will locate and sample any suspected ACMs.

The surveyor will then send the samples to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. If the analysis confirms the presence of asbestos, the surveyor will create an asbestos management plan, which should include recommendations for managing the asbestos safely or removing it as necessary.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

If you plan to carry refurbishment or demolition work on a building, HSE guidelines state that you must undertake an R&D asbestos survey before the start of work.

An R&D survey involves a much more intrusive inspection than a standard asbestos survey because it includes an evaluation of inaccessible areas that will be disturbed by the building work. This type of survey is specifically designed to locate all ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned work.

The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) recommends that the surveyor carries out the R&D survey at the earliest stage of planning the refurbishment or demolition work to allow time for corrective action, such as removal or encapsulation.

What Does Refurbishment Mean?

According to HSE, refurbishment means any work that alters the fabric, or services, of a building. This could be a simple redecoration or a major renovation, such as replacing windows, rewiring, or removing internal walls.

It's essential to undertake an R&D asbestos survey before any refurbishment work commences, even if the work is non-intrusive. Failure to do so could put workers and building occupants at risk of inhaling asbestos fibres.

What Does Demolition Mean?

Demolition means the complete or partial dismantling or destruction of a building or structure. A demolition project could include the destruction of foundations, footings, roofs, walls, ceilings, or other structural elements.

Due to the high risk of asbestos exposure during demolition work, an R&D asbestos survey is mandatory before any demolition work takes place.

The surveyor will need to identify and evaluate all potential ACMs within the footprint of the building, including any voids or cavities that could have ACMs. It's also essential to inspect adjacent areas as well as any areas outside of the building's boundary that could be affected by the demolition work.

Do All Buildings Need an Asbestos Survey?

No, not all buildings require an asbestos survey. However, if you own or manage a building that was constructed before the year 2000, it's highly likely that it contains ACMs.

It's worth noting that asbestos was not banned in the UK until 1999, so any building constructed before this date is highly likely to contain some level of asbestos.

What Building Materials Can Contain Asbestos?

Asbestos can be found in many building materials, including:

• Insulation board
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Textured coatings
• Lagging
• Water tanks
• Pipe insulation
• Cement products
• Roofing felt
• Gaskets

The most common types of asbestos used in building materials are chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue). All three types of asbestos are highly carcinogenic and pose a significant risk to human health.

What Happens if ACMs are Found?

If ACMs are found during an R&D asbestos survey, the surveyor will create an asbestos management plan, which should include recommendations for managing the asbestos safely or removing it as necessary.

If it's safe to leave the asbestos in situ, the surveyor will recommend that you monitor it regularly to ensure that it remains safe. If the ACMs are in poor condition or are likely to be disturbed during the planned work, the surveyor will recommend that you remove it.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for Asbestos Surveys

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we're a specialist asbestos survey company based in Devon, South West England. We offer comprehensive asbestos services, including R&D asbestos surveys, management surveys, and asbestos removal.

We're fully licensed and insured, and all our surveyors are UKAS-accredited and have many years of experience in the asbestos industry. We take pride in our work and understand the importance of keeping people safe from the dangers of asbestos.

If you're planning any refurbishment or demolition work in Devon and need an R&D asbestos survey, contact us today on 01962 458066. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.

Don't take chances with asbestos. Contact us today to ensure that your building is safe from this deadly substance.