Do Flat Management Companies Have to Get an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

If you are managing a flat or a building in Hampshire, South East England, you must know your responsibilities towards managing asbestos. Asbestos is a material that was once commonly used in the construction industry because of its heat resistance and durability. However, we now know that asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious, long-term health problems.

If your property was built before 2000, it is likely that it contains asbestos. Buildings built after 2000 are less likely to have asbestos, but it is still possible. If you are a flat management company in Hampshire, it is essential that you know whether your property contains asbestos, as you have a legal obligation to manage it safely.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we provide asbestos survey services in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. We understand that flat management companies have a lot to deal with, and managing asbestos can seem like a daunting task. However, it is important to address this issue sooner rather than later to avoid any legal or health-related consequences.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building to determine whether there is any asbestos present. The survey will identify the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building. There are two types of asbestos surveys: a management survey and a refurbishment/demolition survey.

A management survey is the most common type of survey and is designed to identify the presence and condition of ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, routine maintenance, or foreseeable activities. A refurbishment/demolition survey is required if the building is going to be refurbished or demolished, as this will involve more intrusive work that may disturb the ACMs.

Is an Asbestos Survey Required?

If you are a flat management company in Hampshire, you have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in your property. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that duty holders (which includes flat management companies) must identify, assess, and manage asbestos in non-domestic premises.

This means that if you are responsible for managing a building that is not a domestic property (e.g. a block of flats), you must identify whether asbestos is present and assess the risk. If you do not do this, you could be liable for any harm caused by the asbestos, and you could face legal action.

The easiest way to comply with this legal obligation is to have an asbestos survey carried out. An asbestos survey will identify whether asbestos is present and assess the risk. If asbestos is found, you will need to manage it or remove it, depending on the condition of the ACMs.

Managing Asbestos

If asbestos is present in your property, you must manage it to ensure that it does not pose a risk to health. Managing asbestos involves:

• Identifying where asbestos is present in the building
• Assessing the risk of the asbestos
• Taking steps to prevent or reduce the risk
• Keeping a record of the location and condition of the asbestos
• Informing anyone who may come into contact with the asbestos of its presence and condition

If the asbestos is in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed, it may be safer to leave it in place and manage it. If the asbestos is in poor condition or is likely to be disturbed, it may be necessary to remove it.

Use a Qualified Asbestos Survey Company

It is essential that you use a qualified asbestos survey company to carry out your survey. Asbestos is a hazardous material, and handling it incorrectly can be extremely dangerous. A qualified asbestos survey company will have the expertise and experience to carry out the survey safely and accurately.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a fully licensed and insured asbestos survey company in Hampshire. Our team of experts will carry out your survey in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and provide you with a detailed report outlining the location, type, and condition of any ACMs in the building.

Fire Safety and Asbestos

Asbestos can pose a serious fire risk if it is damaged or disturbed. If asbestos is present in a building, it can release fibres into the air if it is disturbed, which can be a serious health risk. These fibres can also contribute to a fire spreading more rapidly throughout a building.

This is why it is so important to manage asbestos safely and to ensure that any ACMs are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed. If you are unsure about the condition of any ACMs in your property, it is essential that you have an asbestos survey carried out by a qualified asbestos survey company.

Conclusion

If you are a flat management company in Hampshire, you have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in your property. This means that you must identify whether asbestos is present and assess the risk. The easiest way to do this is to have an asbestos survey carried out by a qualified asbestos survey company.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a fully licensed and insured asbestos survey company in Hampshire. We have the expertise and experience to carry out your survey safely and accurately, and we will provide you with a detailed report outlining the location, type, and condition of any ACMs in the building.

If you are responsible for managing a building in Hampshire, South East England, and you are unsure whether it contains asbestos, please contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for an asbestos survey.