Do I Need an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

If you own or operate any commercial or residential premises in Hampshire, South East England, you may have heard about the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used as a building material due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that frequent exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If your premises contain any type of asbestos, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is managed safely and does not pose a risk to your health or the health of others. The first step in ensuring that you are complying with health and safety regulations is to have an asbestos survey carried out by a reputable company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building or structure to identify any materials that contain asbestos. The survey will involve a thorough examination of all areas of the premises, including floors, walls, ceilings, roofs, and insulation. It will also include an examination of any equipment or machinery that may contain asbestos, such as boilers or pipework.

The purpose of the survey is to identify any asbestos-containing materials and assess their condition. If any materials are found to be in poor condition or damaged, they may need to be removed or repaired.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you are the owner or manager of a commercial or residential property in Hampshire, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are managed safely. This means that you must carry out a survey to identify any materials that contain asbestos and take appropriate action to ensure that they are managed properly.

Failure to comply with health and safety regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and even imprisonment. Additionally, failure to identify and manage asbestos on your premises can put the health of you, your employees, and other occupants at risk.

What Types of Asbestos Surveys Are Available?

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

Management Surveys

Management surveys are the most common type of survey carried out in commercial and residential premises. The purpose of the survey is to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be present, assess their condition, and provide recommendations on how to manage them safely.

During the survey, the surveyor will take samples of any suspected materials and send them to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis will confirm whether the materials contain asbestos or not.

After the survey is completed and the results of the laboratory analysis are received, a comprehensive report will be issued detailing the location, condition, and type of any asbestos-containing materials found. The report will also provide recommendations for the safe management and removal of the asbestos.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. The purpose of the survey is to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the work and assess their condition. The survey is more intrusive than a management survey and involves destructive inspection to access all areas where asbestos may be present.

The survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials that need to be removed before the work can be carried out safely. The surveyor will also provide recommendations for the safe removal of the asbestos.

How Often Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

The frequency of asbestos surveys depends on various factors, including the age and condition of the premises, the type of asbestos-containing materials present, and the level of risk of exposure.

If your premises have never had an asbestos survey, you should have one carried out as soon as possible. After the initial survey, you may need to have follow-up surveys carried out at regular intervals.

Don't Risk Your Health and Safety

Asbestos is a serious health hazard that should not be taken lightly. If you own or operate any premises in Hampshire, South East England, it is imperative that you have an asbestos survey carried out to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are managed safely.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, with a team of experienced and qualified surveyors who can carry out surveys quickly and efficiently. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements and arrange a survey. Don't take risks with your health and safety contact us today.