When Is An Asbestos Survey Required In Devon?

If you own or manage a property in Devon, South West England, you may be wondering when you need to have an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a hazardous material that used to be heavily used in construction materials, including insulation, flooring, roofing, and pipes, and can cause serious health problems when it is disturbed and its fibers are inhaled.

To ensure the safety of your workers, your family, and your community, it is crucial that you have proper asbestos surveys and removal procedures in place. In this article, we will discuss why asbestos surveys are necessary, what types of surveys are available, and when you should have a survey performed.

The Importance Of Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance, which means it has the potential to cause cancer. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs, leading to respiratory problems and diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The illnesses caused by asbestos exposure can take years or even decades to develop, but they can be deadly and may not be detected until it is too late.

In recognition of the danger that asbestos represents, the British government has established strict regulations regarding asbestos management and removal. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, property owners and managers have a legal duty to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their buildings and must take steps to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.

One of the key steps in managing ACMs is to conduct an asbestos survey. Surveys are the only way to identify the presence and extent of ACMs in a building, and they are the first step in developing a plan for asbestos management or removal.

Types Of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment or demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

Management surveys are the most commonly performed type of survey and are required for non-domestic properties that are likely to contain ACMs. The purpose of a management survey is to identify any ACMs that may be present in a building and to assess their condition and potential risk.

During a management survey, the surveyor will visually inspect the property and take samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to determine whether they contain asbestos fibers.

The surveyor will also assess the condition of any ACMs found and document their location, type, and extent. Based on this information, the surveyor will provide a comprehensive report detailing the risks posed by the ACMs and any recommendations for how to manage or remove them.

A management survey should be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that any ACMs in a building are identified and managed properly. The recommended frequency of management surveys varies depending on the type of building and the nature of the ACMs present.

Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment or demolition surveys are more extensive and are required when a property is due to be renovated or demolished. These surveys are designed to identify any ACMs that may be present in areas of the building that are not readily accessible, such as behind walls or above ceilings.

During a refurbishment or demolition survey, the surveyor will inspect every area of the building that will be impacted by the renovation or demolition. This may include removing parts of the building to access areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

The surveyor will also take samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos and analyze them in a laboratory. Based on the results of the survey, the surveyor will provide a detailed report outlining any ACMs present, their location, and the potential risks associated with their removal.

Refurbishment or demolition surveys are essential for ensuring the safety of workers who will be carrying out the work and for preventing the spread of asbestos fibers during the renovation or demolition process.

When Is An Asbestos Survey Required?

If you own or manage a non-domestic property in Devon, you have a legal duty to manage any ACMs in the building and to take steps to prevent the exposure of workers or visitors to asbestos fibers. As part of this duty, you must have a management survey conducted to identify any ACMs present in the building.

If you are planning to renovate or demolish a building, you must also have a refurbishment or demolition survey conducted before work begins. This is a legal requirement and failure to comply can result in penalties such as fines or imprisonment.

While management surveys are not required for domestic properties, it is still recommended that homeowners have their properties surveyed if they suspect that ACMs may be present. This is particularly true for properties that were built before the year 2000, as asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until that time.

If you are unsure whether you need an asbestos survey, it is best to err on the side of caution and have a survey conducted. The cost of a survey is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your property is safe for you and your family or employees.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a specialist asbestos survey company in Devon, with many years of experience conducting surveys for a wide range of properties throughout the South West of England. Our team of certified asbestos surveyors are committed to providing the highest quality asbestos surveying and management services, designed to keep you, your family, and your employees safe.

We offer management surveys and refurbishment or demolition surveys, tailored to meet the specific needs of your property or project. Our surveys are conducted in strict compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, and we use the latest technology and equipment to provide accurate and reliable results.

If you need an asbestos survey in Devon or the surrounding areas, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We are committed to providing affordable and reliable asbestos survey services to ensure the health and safety of your property and those who occupy it.