Do All Houses Need an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for insulation, fireproofing, and strengthening of building materials. It is a carcinogen that was classified as a health hazard in the late 1970s. Since then, the use of asbestos in new construction has been banned in the UK. However, many homes and commercial buildings still contain asbestos.

Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibres are inhaled. These fibres can lead to several lung diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. For this reason, it is crucial to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building and properly manage them to prevent exposure to the dangerous fibres.

Hampshire is one of the UK's most asbestos-contaminated areas, with many buildings constructed before the ban. As a homeowner, you should have your property surveyed for ACMs to ensure the health and safety of everyone in your home. In this article, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, explores everything you need to know about asbestos surveys in Hampshire.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection and assessment of a building's materials to determine whether they contain asbestos. The survey identifies ACMs and their condition, quantity, location and accessibility. The survey also estimates the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres and the severity of that risk. The survey comes with a report that outlines the findings and recommendations for management.

The survey is carried out by qualified professionals, who use specialised equipment and techniques to take samples and examine materials suspected to contain asbestos. There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys.

Management Survey

A management survey is the standard asbestos survey for all non-domestic premises, including industrial, commercial, and public buildings. It aims at identifying any ACMs in a property, assessing their condition, and providing a management plan for keeping the asbestos-containing materials in good condition or removing them.

The management plan must take into account the health and safety of the building occupants and workers on the premises. It should also comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which place the responsibility of managing ACMs on the property owner or manager.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

A refurbishment and demolition survey are required before any refurbishment, demolition, or alteration work on a building. The survey aims to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the works, assess their condition, and provide recommendations for their safe removal. The refurbishment and demolition survey must be carried out by accredited professionals and must be conducted before the works begin.

Do Domestic Properties Need an Asbestos Survey?

Yes, domestic properties can contain ACMs, especially if they were built before the asbestos ban. This means that homeowners in Hampshire should have their properties surveyed for ACMs to ensure their safety and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

The type of survey needed for your home depends on the age and condition of the building, as well as any planned refurbishment or demolition work. A management survey is sufficient for most homes, while a refurbishment and demolition survey is required for properties undergoing significant renovation or demolition.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Necessary?

An asbestos survey is necessary for several reasons:

Health

As mentioned earlier, asbestos is a carcinogen that can cause several lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. These diseases have a long latency period, which means that symptoms may not appear until several years after exposure. By having your property surveyed for ACMs, you can identify any potential health risks and take action to manage or remove them.

Legal Requirements

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on property owners and managers to manage the risk of asbestos exposure on their premises. This means having an asbestos survey carried out, and a management plan put in place to manage ACMs properly.

Peace of Mind

If you are buying or selling a property, having an asbestos survey can give you peace of mind that your home is safe from the risks of ACMs. It also adds value to your property, as buyers are more likely to purchase a property that does not pose a health risk.

When is an Asbestos Survey Needed?

An asbestos survey is needed when:

• You suspect that your property contains ACMs.
• Your property was built before the asbestos ban.
• Your property is undergoing renovation or demolition work.
• You are a property manager responsible for managing ACMs in a non-domestic premises.

Can You Identify Asbestos Yourself?

It is not recommended to identify asbestos yourself, as this could put you at risk of exposure to the harmful fibres. Only qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors should carry out surveys and identify ACMs through laboratory analysis.

How Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire Can Help

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, and we can help with all your asbestos needs.

Our team of experienced and qualified asbestos surveyors can carry out comprehensive surveys of your property to identify ACMs and provide a management plan to manage or remove them safely. We use the latest equipment and techniques for the most accurate results.

We offer affordable and competitive rates, and our team is committed to providing quality services to every client. We can also provide packs of information for a survey, including a written report, asbestos register survey, and material assessment, which will be useful for future repairs or renovations.

To schedule a survey or for any enquiries, contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is necessary to protect the health and safety of everyone in your home or property. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a reputable asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you identify any potential ACMs and provide a management plan to manage or remove them safely. Contact us today to schedule your survey and ensure your peace of mind.