When is an Asbestos Survey Needed in Devon?

If you are a homeowner or a business owner in Devon, you may be wondering when an asbestos survey is needed. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in buildings before its health risks were discovered. It is now known that exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

If your property was built before the year 2000, there is a chance that it contains asbestos. A survey is the best way to determine if your property contains asbestos and to assess the risks associated with any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Devon. We are committed to helping property owners in Devon and the South West of England to identify and manage asbestos risks. In this guide, we will explain when an asbestos survey is needed and what you can expect from the process.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry until the 1990s. It was used in a variety of building materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and pipes.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and can cause serious health problems. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibers.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a property that is designed to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. The survey will also assess the condition of any ACMs found, and will provide recommendations for their management.

There are two types of asbestos survey:

• Management survey
• Refurbishment/demolition survey

A management survey is required to identify ACMs that present a risk to occupants and visitors to a property. This type of survey is non-intrusive, and involves the inspection of accessible areas of a building, such as ceilings, walls, and floors.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required prior to any refurbishment or demolition work being carried out on a property. This type of survey is more intrusive, and involves the inspection of areas that may be difficult to access, such as behind walls and under floors.

When is an Asbestos Survey Needed?

There are several situations in which an asbestos survey may be needed:

Before buying a property

It is recommended that a survey is carried out prior to purchasing a property. This will provide peace of mind that the property does not contain any asbestos-containing materials that may pose a risk to health.

When carrying out refurbishment or demolition work

Asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition work, and this can release dangerous fibers into the air. A survey is required to identify any ACMs present, and to provide guidance on their safe removal.

When ACMs have been identified

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, or if you have identified ACMs during internal refurbishment works, an asbestos survey is required to assess the condition of the ACMs and to provide guidance on their safe removal.

When leasing or renting a property

It is important that landlords and property managers are aware of any asbestos-containing materials in a property that may pose a risk to tenants. An asbestos survey can identify any ACMs present and provide guidance on their safe management.

The Importance of Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are important for the following reasons:

To protect health

Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. A survey can identify any ACMs present and provide guidance on their safe removal, reducing the risk of exposure to these dangerous fibers.

To comply with the law

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders have a legal responsibility to manage the risks associated with asbestos. This includes identifying ACMs present in a property and assessing their condition. A survey is required to fulfill this legal obligation.

To avoid costly mistakes

Removing asbestos incorrectly can pose a serious risk to health and can result in expensive clean-up costs. A survey can identify any ACMs present and provide guidance on their safe removal, helping to avoid costly mistakes.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Devon. Our team of experienced surveyors can carry out both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to identify any ACMs present in your property.

We understand the importance of protecting your health and complying with the law, which is why we provide high-quality, professional asbestos survey services. Our team is committed to providing affordable solutions to manage asbestos risks.

Contact Us

If you require an asbestos survey in Devon or the South West of England, please get in touch with us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. You can reach us by phone at 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected].

We are committed to providing high-quality, professional asbestos survey services at an affordable price. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to learn more about our services and to request a quote.