Does My Refurbished Commercial Building Require an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause various diseases, including cancer, when inhaled. Therefore, it is vital to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in commercial buildings to ensure they are managed safely. An asbestos survey is an effective way to achieve this. This article will explore whether your refurbished commercial building requires an asbestos survey in Hampshire.

The Importance of Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are essential in identifying ACMs in a structure, including a commercial building. Asbestos was widely used in construction materials from the 1950s until the 1990s, and any structure that predates 2000 could potentially contain the material.

An asbestos survey is the first step towards managing asbestos effectively in a building. The survey identifies any ACMs present, their location, and condition. This information is then used to create a management plan, which is crucial to prevent the exposure of hazardous fibers to building occupants.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

Two types of asbestos surveys are available - management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. Understanding which survey your building requires is essential to ensure asbestos is managed correctly.

Management survey - this survey is designed to locate any ACMs in the premises that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy or other routine maintenance, such as electrical or plumbing work. This type of survey requires minimal intrusion and is carried out in empty rooms or rooms occupied by staff. Management surveys are suitable for buildings that are scheduled for refurbishment or demolition.

Refurbishment/Demolition survey - this survey is more intrusive and is carried out before any major renovations, refurbishments, or demolition works. This survey aims to identify all ACMs within the building or specific areas to ensure they are removed before work commences.

Asbestos-Containing Materials

ACMs are materials that contain asbestos fibers. These materials were widely used in buildings until the 1990s. Many people are unaware of their presence and can mistake them for common materials. Some common ACMs include:

• Asbestos cement
• Floor tiles
• Insulation board
• Pipe lagging
• Roofing felt

It is essential to note that ACMs in good condition and left undisturbed are not usually considered harmful. However, if they are disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled by people in the building. Therefore, it is essential to identify any ACMs in commercial buildings and manage them appropriately to ensure occupant safety.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are not legally required by HM Government, but they are a significant part of the Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations require commercial property owners and managers to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and prevent exposure to hazardous asbestos fibers.

Non-compliance can lead to legal action and heavy fines, making it essential to ensure that a commercial building meets all necessary regulations. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that asbestos is identified, managed, and removed safely to protect your employees and any visitors to your premises.

Managing Asbestos

Managing asbestos in commercial buildings requires an effective strategy to ensure ACMs are not disturbed, damaged, or left exposed. Asbestos should be left undisturbed wherever possible, and all necessary precautions must be taken to prevent any exposure to asbestos fibers.

The HSE provides detailed guidance on managing asbestos in commercial buildings, including the necessary precautions and procedures to follow. Employing a company specializing in asbestos removal is essential to ensure that asbestos is managed correctly to protect employees and meet government regulations.

Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company located in Hampshire. Our team of experienced professionals provides high-quality asbestos surveys to ensure that commercial buildings meet all necessary regulations.

We are committed to providing straightforward and cost-effective solutions for managing asbestos in commercial properties. Our surveys are tailored to your building's specific needs and ensure that any asbestos present is identified and managed effectively.

Our management surveys provide vital information on the location and condition of ACMs in your premises, allowing you to create a management plan to ensure building occupants' safety. Our refurbishment/demolition surveys are designed to identify any asbestos that could be disturbed during work, allowing you to remove and manage the hazardous material safely.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

• Experienced professionals - our team of highly trained professionals has years of experience in asbestos surveying, ensuring that every survey is thorough and accurate.
• Competitive pricing - we understand that managing asbestos can be expensive, and that's why we offer competitive pricing for all our services.
• Asbestos management plans - our surveys provide vital information for creating an asbestos management plan, ensuring that ACMs are managed correctly.
• Comprehensive surveys - our surveys include a detailed report of ACMs located on your premises, their location, and condition.

Contact Us

If you require an asbestos survey for your commercial building in Hampshire, contact us today. Our experts are on hand to provide detailed information on our surveying services and to discuss your needs.

You can reach us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk, where you can find more information on our services and contact us directly.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause significant health problems if left undetected or improperly managed. If your commercial building in Hampshire was built before 2000, it could contain asbestos. An asbestos survey is essential to identify and manage asbestos effectively, ensuring the safety of building occupants.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, our experienced professionals provide cost-effective and comprehensive asbestos surveys designed to meet your building's specific needs. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help manage asbestos in your commercial building.