Who Should Pay For Asbestos Testing Before Work Carried Out In Devon

Asbestos is a hazardous mineral that can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite its risks, asbestos was widely used in building materials and products until the late 1990s. Many buildings in Devon, South West England, still contain asbestos, especially those built before the 2000s. Asbestos can be a silent killer, as its presence is not always visible or identifiable without specialist testing.

If you are planning to do any work on a building in Devon, whether it is a refurbishment or demolition project, you must ensure that asbestos is not present or properly managed. This is not only a legal requirement but also a duty of care towards the health and safety of workers and occupants. Asbestos exposure can occur during any stage of the work, from initial surveys to final clearance.

As an asbestos testing company in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon understands the importance of identifying and managing asbestos in buildings. We aim to provide reliable, affordable, and professional asbestos testing services to help our clients comply with the legal and ethical standards of asbestos management. In this landing page, we will explain who should pay for asbestos testing before work carried out in Devon and why it matters.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been mined for their strong and heat-resistant properties. Asbestos fibres can be mixed with other materials, such as cement, insulation, tiles, roofing sheets, and textiles, to enhance their durability and fire resistance. The problem with asbestos fibres is that they are microscopic and can become airborne when disturbed, such as during drilling, cutting, or demolition. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can lodge in the lungs and cause scarring, inflammation, and tumours over time.

Asbestos is classified into six types, based on their chemical composition and structure. These types include crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), chrysotile (white asbestos), anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Of these six types, chrysotile is the most common and widely used. However, all types of asbestos are hazardous, and there is no safe level of exposure.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are essential to identify if asbestos is present in a building, and if so, where, how much and in what condition. Asbestos surveys are not mandatory for all buildings, but they are a legal requirement when carrying out any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The purpose of an asbestos survey is to:

• Determine if asbestos is present
• Assess the type and condition of asbestos
• Quantify the extent and location of asbestos
• Suggest the risk of exposure to asbestos
• Recommend the actions required to manage asbestos

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

• Management survey: This survey is an ongoing process to locate, assess, and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. The purpose of a management survey is to identify ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance. A management survey does not require destructive inspection or sampling unless ACMs are suspected or have been identified previously. A management survey is typically conducted on commercial or industrial premises, but it may also be required for residential properties that are used for business purposes.
• Refurbishment/demolition survey: This survey is necessary when a building is due to be refurbished or demolished, as it involves intrusive and destructive inspection and sampling of all accessible areas. The purpose of a refurbishment/demolition survey is to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed or removed during the work and to recommend safe removal procedures. A refurbishment/demolition survey must be carried out by a competent surveyor before any work starts that may disturb ACMs.

Who is Responsible for Asbestos Testing?

The responsibility for asbestos testing depends on the type and scope of the work to be carried out. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 state that dutyholders must manage asbestos in non-domestic premises and common areas of domestic premises, such as flats or shared houses. Dutyholders are also responsible for the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by their work. Dutyholders can be the owners, occupiers, managers, or employers of the building or the site.

If you are a dutyholder, you must:

• Identify all ACMs in the building or the site by conducting an asbestos survey
• Assess the risk of exposure to asbestos and take appropriate measures to manage it
• Implement an asbestos management plan and review it regularly
• Inform anyone who is likely to disturb the ACMs of their location and the risk of exposure
• Ensure that anyone who may disturb the ACMs is trained, competent, and protected from exposure
• Keep an up-to-date record of all ACMs and their condition
• Monitor and review the ACMs periodically to check their condition and any change in risk

If you are a client or a contractor who plans to carry out work on a building or a site, you must:

• Obtain a copy of the asbestos survey report and asbestos management plan from the dutyholder
• Ensure that the asbestos management plan is followed and the ACMs are not disturbed or damaged during the work
• Inform the dutyholder and the workers of any unexpected asbestos discovery or damage and stop the work immediately until it is resolved
• Employ competent and licensed asbestos professionals to do any work that involves ACMs, such as removal, encapsulation, or sealing.

If you are a building owner or an occupier, you are responsible for ensuring that an asbestos survey is carried out before any work is carried out on the building or the site. If your building is managed by a property management company, they may be the dutyholder, and you may need to request a copy of the asbestos survey report from them.

If you are a tenant or a worker in a building, you have the right to know if asbestos is present and how it is managed. You can ask your landlord or employer for a copy of the asbestos survey report and asbestos management plan.

Why should you Pay for Asbestos Testing?

Asbestos testing may seem like an unnecessary expense or a hassle, especially if you believe that your building does not contain asbestos. However, asbestos testing is crucial for several reasons:

• Legal compliance: As mentioned earlier, asbestos testing is a legal requirement for any work that may disturb ACMs. If you do not conduct an asbestos survey before the work, you may be liable for prosecution, fines, or compensation claims.
• Health and safety: Asbestos exposure can cause fatal diseases that have no cure, such as mesothelioma. Asbestos testing can identify the presence and the condition of ACMs and enable you to take measures to protect yourself and others from exposure. Asbestos testing can also help you to plan and budget for any asbestos removal or management work that may be required.
• Peace of mind: Asbestos testing can provide you with the assurance that your building is asbestos-free or that any ACMs are appropriately managed. Asbestos testing can also help you to avoid any unexpected or costly surprises that may occur during the work, such as the discovery of hidden ACMs.

In summary, asbestos testing is a necessary and vital step in any work carried out on a building in Devon, whether it is a small renovation or a large-scale demolition. As a competent and certified asbestos testing company in Devon, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can help you to comply with the legal and ethical standards of asbestos management and reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to book your asbestos survey or to learn more about our services.