How Frequently Should Surveys of Asbestos Condition Be Carried Out in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. That's why it's essential to identify and manage potential asbestos-containing materials in buildings, especially in Hampshire, where the material was extensively used.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a specialist asbestos survey company in Hampshire, England. We understand the importance of conducting regular asbestos surveys to identify potential hazards and manage them appropriately. In this article, we'll discuss the need for asbestos surveys, the types of surveys available, and how frequently they should be carried out in Hampshire.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in numerous building materials until the 1980s. It has excellent fire-resistant and insulating properties, making it a popular material for construction. However, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, which may not develop until years or decades later.

The UK government banned the use of asbestos in 1999, but it's still present in many buildings constructed before this time. Regulating the use of asbestos in buildings is essential to safeguard the health of building occupants and those responsible for maintaining and refurbishing buildings.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building or property to identify the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). A qualified and experienced surveyor will use various techniques to detect ACMs, such as visual examination, sampling, and laboratory analysis.

Depending on the purpose and scope of the survey, the surveyor will recommend different action levels for managing ACMs. The two primary types of asbestos surveys are:

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-destructive inspection of a building's materials to identify and manage ACMs. The survey aims to identify the location, type, condition, and extent of ACMs in a non-intrusive way. This type of survey is necessary to manage asbestos-containing materials during the normal occupation and use of a building.

The survey findings will generate an asbestos register and management plan, which will identify the location, condition, and risks associated with ACMs. The management plan will outline the control measures required to manage the risks and reduce exposure.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey (R&D survey) is a more intrusive asbestos survey designed to identify all ACMs before any refurbishment, demolition, or major alterations to a structure. The survey involves destructive inspection techniques to access hard-to-reach areas or concealed spaces.

The R&D survey report will identify all the ACMs in the building and recommend their removal before any work starts. The survey findings will be used to develop a plan for the safe removal or management of ACMs during the refurbishment, demolition, or alteration works.

How Frequently Should Asbestos Surveys Be Carried Out in Hampshire?

The frequency of asbestos surveys in Hampshire will depend on several factors, such as the age and condition of the property, previous survey findings, and the likelihood of ACM disturbance. Here are some guidelines on how frequently you should consider an asbestos survey:

Initial Survey

If you're buying or leasing a building, you should consider an initial asbestos survey to identify any potential ACMs. This survey will provide a baseline for managing asbestos in the building.

Management Survey

A regular management survey should be conducted to ensure that any ACMs identified in the initial survey are adequately managed, and any new ACMs are identified. A management survey should be carried out every two to five years, depending on the building's age, condition, and use.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey should be carried out before any refurbishment, demolition, or alteration works are undertaken. Asbestos-containing materials could be exposed during these works, presenting a significant hazard to workers, occupants, and the public. The survey should be carried out by a qualified and experienced surveyor.

Why is it Essential to Conduct Regular Asbestos Surveys in Hampshire?

Regular asbestos surveys in Hampshire are essential to safeguard the health of building occupants and workers. The surveys provide a baseline for identifying and managing ACMs in buildings, preventing exposure to asbestos fibers.

In addition, conducting regular asbestos surveys can save money in the long run. By identifying and managing ACMs before they deteriorate, you can reduce the risk of unexpected costs for removal, repair, and potential compensation claims.

Regular asbestos surveys are also a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Owners and managers of non-domestic properties have a duty to manage asbestos effectively and conduct regular asbestos surveys to identify any potential hazards.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for Asbestos Surveys in Hampshire

If you need an asbestos survey in Hampshire, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. Our experienced and qualified surveyors can help you identify asbestos-containing materials in your building and develop management plans to manage the risks.

We offer management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys for all types of buildings in Hampshire and the South East of England. Our surveys comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and we can provide advice and support on the safe management of ACMs.

Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for more information on our services or to book an appointment. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for additional information.