How Do You Know If You Need An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in buildings up until the late 1990s. It was used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and many other products. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you have a building in Hampshire, South East England, it is important to determine if it contains asbestos. In this landing page, we will discuss why you may need an asbestos survey, what to expect from an asbestos survey, and how to choose an asbestos survey company in Hampshire.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry during the 20th century because of its insulating and fire-retardant properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres could cause severe health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, which are life-threatening conditions. For that reason, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, asbestos may still be present in many older buildings, particularly those built before the year 2000. Exposure to asbestos can still occur when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed by renovation, demolition or maintenance works, potentially releasing the deadly fibres into the air.

Why You May Need an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire

If you're a building owner or manager in Hampshire, it's crucial to ascertain whether your building is contaminated with asbestos. This is particularly important if you are planning any renovation or demolition works. If your building was constructed anytime before the year 2000, it would be wise to assume it contains asbestos, even if there are no visible signs of it. An asbestos survey is the only way to know for sure.

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property or building to determine the presence and condition of any materials that contain asbestos. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 that all non-domestic buildings constructed before 2000 must have an asbestos survey. If you fail to comply, you could face hefty fines from the authorities.

What to Expect From an Asbestos Survey

There are two primary types of asbestos surveys: Management Survey and Refurbishment and Demolition Survey. The type of survey required depends on the intended use of the building and the type of work planned.

A Management Survey is the most basic type of asbestos survey, and it involves a visual inspection of the building to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance or demolition works. This type of survey is typically conducted to inform an Asbestos Management Plan that highlights the precautions necessary to manage the ACMs safely.

A Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is a more in-depth survey that aims to identify all asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition of a building, this type of survey is usually conducted before any major building or renovation works commencing on the premises.

Both types of surveys must be carried out by a qualified and certified asbestos surveyor who can identify ACMs and provide accurate recommendations according to the nature and condition of the materials.

How to Choose an Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire

If you need an asbestos survey in Hampshire, you must choose a reputable and experienced asbestos survey company to carry out the work. It's essential to choose a company with the required accreditation from the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), which ensures the company meets the highest standards of asbestos surveying in the UK.

To help you find the right asbestos survey company in Hampshire, here are some key factors to consider:

Accreditation and Certification

The asbestos survey company you choose must have the necessary UKAS accreditation, which verifies their competence, impartiality, and performance. Certification from professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is also desirable.

Experience and Reputation

It is crucial to choose a company with a proven track record of delivering high-quality asbestos surveys. Check their website and testimonials to read feedback from previous clients. You can also ask for references from previous clients and contact them to ascertain their experience with the asbestos survey company.

Price

Asbestos surveys can be expensive, but the cost should never be the sole factor in your decision. Consider the quality of the survey, the level of detail provided, and the experience of the surveyor when comparing prices. Be wary of companies offering unrealistically low prices as they may not be providing a comprehensive survey or are cutting corners.

Customer Service

Choose a company that values customer service and is willing to provide expert advice and support throughout the asbestos survey process. Check if they offer a dedicated account manager or point of contact, and if they responded promptly to your initial inquiry.

Conclusion

If you own or manage a building in Hampshire, South East England, and it was constructed before the year 2000, you should consider an asbestos survey. Asbestos exposure can be deadly, and an asbestos survey is the only reliable way to determine if your building contains ACMs. The survey process is relatively simple and can be carried out swiftly by certified asbestos surveyors. Remember to select a reputable and experienced asbestos survey company in Hampshire that has the required accreditation, experience, and reputation. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you assess and manage any asbestos risks to your building. Contact us today on 01962 458066, and we will provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of asbestos management.