How Long Does An Asbestos Survey Take in Hampshire?

If you're in need of an asbestos survey in Hampshire, you may be wondering how long the process will take. It's important to understand that the length of an asbestos survey can vary depending on a variety of factors. In this article, we'll explain what an asbestos survey is, why you might need one, and how long you can expect the process to take in Hampshire.

Who Are We?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an experienced asbestos survey company operating in Hampshire and the wider South East England region. With a team of trained and qualified surveyors, we provide a variety of asbestos-related services to commercial and domestic clients. We aim to offer a high-quality service at an affordable price, and we're committed to helping our clients safely manage asbestos in their premises.

What is Asbestos?

Before we discuss asbestos surveys, it's important to understand what asbestos is. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been widely used in construction, insulation, and other industries due to their fire-resistant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic and can cause serious health problems when its fibers are inhaled.

While asbestos was widely used in the UK until the 1980s, it's now banned for many applications. However, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings, particularly those built before 2000. ACMs can be found in ceiling tiles, insulation, cement, and other materials, and they pose a serious risk if they become disturbed or damaged.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a property to identify any ACMs that may be present. The surveyor will assess the premises for the presence of ACMs and provide a detailed report outlining their location, type, condition, and risk level. This report will inform any future work that takes place on the property and help to ensure that ACMs are safely managed.

There are two types of asbestos survey: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is a regular inspection of a property to ensure that ACMs are being safely managed. A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more detailed inspection that's carried out before any major work takes place, such as building renovations or demolition.

Why Might You Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you own or manage a building that was built before 2000, you may need an asbestos survey to identify any ACMs that may be present. This is particularly important if you're planning any refurbishment or demolition work, as disturbing ACMs can release their fibers into the air and pose a serious health risk.

As a property owner, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos in your premises and ensure that it doesn't pose a risk to anyone who uses or works in the building. Failing to manage asbestos properly can result in serious legal and financial consequences, including fines and even imprisonment in some cases.

How Long Does an Asbestos Survey Take?

The length of an asbestos survey can vary depending on a variety of factors. However, in general, a management survey of a small, simple building can take as little as a few hours. A more detailed refurbishment/demolition survey of a larger or more complex building can take several days or even weeks.

The surveyor will need to inspect every part of the building that could contain ACMs, which can be a time-consuming process. They may need to take samples of suspected ACMs to be analyzed in a laboratory. This can add time to the process, as the results of these tests may take several days to come back.

Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will compile a detailed report outlining the location, type, condition, and risk level of any ACMs found. This report can take several days to prepare, depending on the size and complexity of the building.

Conclusion

If you're in need of an asbestos survey in Hampshire, it's important to choose a reputable and experienced company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. While the length of an asbestos survey can vary depending on a variety of factors, our expert surveyors will work quickly and efficiently to ensure that you receive an accurate report as soon as possible. Contact us today to discuss your needs and receive a free quote.