How Long Does It Take To Do An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

If you are a property owner or manager in Hampshire, South East England, then you may be wondering how long it takes to do an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s, and exposure to it can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is important to have your building surveyed by a qualified asbestos surveyor to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and managed appropriately.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Hampshire, offering comprehensive surveys and management plans at an affordable price. In this article, we will discuss what an asbestos survey entails, why it is important, and how long it typically takes to complete.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in building materials for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious health conditions. As a result, the use of asbestos in new construction was banned in the UK in 1999.

Despite the ban, many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles. Asbestos fibers can become airborne if these materials are disturbed or damaged, putting anyone who comes into contact with them at risk.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or property to identify any ACMs that may be present. There are two types of asbestos surveys:

• Management surveys: These are standard surveys that are carried out to identify the presence of ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance of a building. The surveyor will take samples of any suspicious materials and have them analyzed in a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos.

• Refurbishment or demolition surveys: These surveys are more intrusive and are carried out when a building is undergoing refurbishment or demolition. The surveyor will access all areas of the building, including those that are difficult to reach, to identify any ACMs that could be disturbed during the works. The surveyor will take samples of any materials suspected to contain asbestos and have them analyzed in a laboratory.

It is important to note that a visual inspection alone cannot determine if a material contains asbestos. Samples must be taken and analyzed in a laboratory by a qualified analyst to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Why Is An Asbestos Survey Important?

An asbestos survey is important for the following reasons:

• It helps identify any ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed and potentially release asbestos fibers into the air.

• It ensures that anyone who may come into contact with ACMs is aware of the risks and knows how to manage them appropriately.

• It is a legal requirement for anyone who owns or manages a building to identify and manage any ACMs present.

• It is a requirement for any building undergoing refurbishment or demolition to have a refurbishment or demolition survey carried out to ensure that any ACMs are safely removed or managed before works commence.

How Long Does An Asbestos Survey Take?

The length of time it takes to carry out an asbestos survey depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the building, the type of survey being undertaken, and the number of samples that need to be taken.

A management survey of a small building with no complex features can typically be completed within a day or two. However, a larger building or one that has more complex features, such as suspended ceilings or inaccessible areas, may take several days to survey.

A refurbishment or demolition survey is typically more complex and time-consuming than a management survey, as it requires more access to areas of the building that may be difficult to reach. This type of survey can take several days or even weeks to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the building.

Once the survey has been completed, the samples taken will need to be analyzed in a laboratory. This can take several days or weeks, depending on the number of samples taken and the laboratory's workload.

Do I Need An Asbestos Survey?

If you own or manage a building that was built before 2000, then it is likely that it contains ACMs. Therefore, you should have an asbestos survey carried out to identify any materials that contain asbestos and manage them appropriately.

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition works, then it is a legal requirement to have a refurbishment or demolition survey carried out before works commence. This type of survey is more intrusive and time-consuming than a management survey and will identify any ACMs that need to be safely removed or managed before works commence.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer a range of asbestos surveys to suit your needs and budget. Our team of qualified surveyors has extensive experience in identifying and managing ACMs in all types of buildings, from residential homes to large commercial properties.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is an important step in ensuring that your building is safe from the dangers of asbestos. It is a legal requirement for anyone who owns or manages a building to identify and manage any ACMs present, and failure to do so can result in legal action and fines.

The length of time it takes to carry out an asbestos survey depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the building, the type of survey being undertaken, and the number of samples that need to be taken. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer fast and affordable asbestos surveys to suit your needs and budget.

If you have any questions about asbestos surveys or would like to schedule a survey for your property, please contact us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our experienced team is always on hand to provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of asbestos management.