When Is An Asbestos Survey Required for Construction in Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was commonly used in construction materials due to its properties of high tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and fire. However, it was later discovered that asbestos is highly hazardous to human health, causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

As a result, the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in the UK in 1999. However, due to its extensive use in the past, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many buildings, particularly those built before the ban, and they pose a significant risk to people's health.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that all non-domestic properties built before the year 2000 must have an asbestos survey conducted to determine the presence of ACMs. This includes public and commercial buildings, industrial properties, and rental properties.

If you are planning any construction work in Devon, it is essential to have an asbestos survey conducted if your property was built before the year 2000. This survey is carried out to determine whether there are any ACMs present in the building that could pose a hazard to those working on the site.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon - Your Asbestos Survey Company in Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a reputable and reliable asbestos survey company in Devon, South West England. We have been established since 2002 and have helped individuals and businesses in Devon manage their asbestos-related problems effectively.

We offer a range of services, including asbestos surveys, asbestos removal, and asbestos management plans. Our team of experts is trained to the highest standards, and we have the relevant accreditations, ensuring that our clients receive the best service possible.

We understand that the safety of the public, workers, and the environment is of utmost importance. Therefore, we work diligently to ensure that all our services comply with the relevant health and safety regulations, giving our clients peace of mind.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

Asbestos surveys are required for many reasons, including:

1. Planning Construction Work

Asbestos surveys are required before any demolition or construction work can begin on a non-domestic property, particularly those built before the year 2000. The survey is carried out to determine whether there are any ACMs present in the building that could be disturbed during the construction work.

2. Property Management

If you own a non-domestic property built before the year 2000, you are required by law to maintain an asbestos register and management plan. Asbestos surveys are carried out at regular intervals to update the register and management plan, giving you a clear understanding of the presence of ACMs within your property.

3. Property Purchase

Before buying a property, it is essential to have an asbestos survey conducted to establish whether the property contains ACMs. If ACMs are present within the property, the buyer can use this information to negotiate the sale price or agree on a plan for their removal.

4. Property Refurbishment

If you are planning to refurbish a non-domestic property built before the year 2000, an asbestos survey is necessary. The survey will determine whether any ACMs will be disturbed during the refurbishment work, and if so, they will need to be removed before work can commence.

Areas of the Property Included in an Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive examination of your property, with particular attention being paid to the areas that are most likely to contain asbestos. These areas include:

1. Ceilings and Walls

Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used to create textured paints and coatings for walls and ceilings. They can also be found in insulation materials located on ceilings.

2. Heating and Ventilation Systems

Asbestos-containing materials were used to insulate heating pipes, boilers, and other heating and ventilation systems, particularly in older buildings.

3. Pipes and Ducts

Asbestos-containing materials were used to insulate pipes and ducts, particularly those located in areas such as basements and undergrounds.

4. Flooring

Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used to make vinyl flooring, asphalt, and other types of flooring, particularly in older properties.

People Who Can Conduct an Asbestos Survey

Asbestos surveys must be carried out by trained and competent professionals who are certified by relevant bodies such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) or the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we have a team of experienced and well-trained surveyors who are accredited by BOHS and RSPH. We use the latest equipment and technology to ensure that our surveys are thorough and efficient.

Section 3 Asbestos-Related Legislation and Regulations

The UK has strict regulations related to asbestos, which govern its use, handling, and disposal to protect public and worker health. These regulations include:

1. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

This regulation requires individuals who have control over premises to manage the risk from asbestos. It includes duties for the assessment of asbestos, the making and maintenance of a management plan, and advising personnel of any asbestos present in the building.

2. The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 2016

This regulation requires any person who carries out certain work with asbestos to hold a license provided by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive). The license is necessary when the work is likely to generate significant amounts of asbestos dust.

3. The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992

This regulation prohibits the import, supply, and use of all forms of asbestos.

Asbestos Surveys and Projects - New and Refurbished Buildings

If you are planning a new construction or refurbishment of a non-domestic building built before the year 2000, an asbestos survey must be carried out before any materials are removed or any construction work begins. This ensures that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and removed before being disturbed or damaged.

The survey should be conducted by a trained and competent professional accredited by the relevant bodies such as BOHS and RSPH. If ACMs are found within the building, a comprehensive plan for their safe removal and disposal must be developed before any construction work begins.

A Free and Simple Guide to Managing Asbestos in Your Business

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand that managing asbestos in your business or property can be daunting. We have developed a simple and straightforward guide, which provides you with all the information you need to safely manage ACMs within your property.

The guide includes information on:

• Identifying potential ACMs in your property
• What to do if ACMs are found
• Developing a management plan for ACMs
• The safe removal and disposal of ACMs

The guide is free and available for businesses and individuals managing ACMs within their properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are planning to carry out any construction work in Devon on non-domestic properties built before the year 2000, it is important to have an asbestos survey conducted to determine the presence of any ACMs. This survey is necessary to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a reliable and reputable asbestos survey company in Devon, South West England, with over 20 years of experience in managing asbestos-related problems. Our team of experts is trained to the highest standard and have the relevant accreditations to ensure that our clients receive the best service possible.

If you have any questions regarding asbestos surveys or management plans, please contact us on 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.