How Long Is An Asbestos Survey Valid For In Hampshire?

Are you planning changes to your property in Hampshire? Do you need an asbestos survey? Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are an asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you determine whether your property contains asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was frequently used in building materials for many decades. However, when asbestos is disturbed, it can release microscopic fibres that, if inhaled, could cause serious health problems.

Therefore, an asbestos survey is the first step to ensure your safety and that of your family, workers or tenants. But how long is an asbestos survey valid for in Hampshire?

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough and systematic examination of a building and its materials to identify where any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are located. The survey aims to locate and identify any ACMs that may be present and then assess their condition and potential for damage or disturbance.

The survey report will also provide recommendations on how to manage any asbestos found on the premises to ensure the safety of those working or living there.

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

• Asbestos management survey This survey is usually carried out as part of a propertys ongoing management plan to ensure that any ACMs are identified, located, and managed correctly.

• Asbestos refurbishment/demolition survey This survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place in a building. It is more intrusive and aims to identify all ACMs that could be encountered during the work.

How Long is an Asbestos Survey Valid?

Once an asbestos survey has been conducted, it is usually valid for a set period before it needs to be updated. There is no legal requirement for an asbestos survey to be updated at a set interval, but the Health and Safety Executive recommends that surveys are updated periodically.

The interval between surveys will depend on the risk and condition of the ACMs identified in the initial survey. If the survey found that the ACMs are in good condition and not likely to be damaged, then the interval between surveys could be longer.

However, if the survey reveals that the ACMs are in a poor condition or likely to be damaged or disturbed, then a more frequent survey will be required. The frequency of the update will also depend on any changes that may happen to the building or its usage.

Changes in Property and the Need for an Updated Survey

Changes to a property could affect the validity of an asbestos survey. If any changes are made to the building or its use, then it could impact the asbestos-containing materials and their condition. Therefore, any changes to a property may require an updated asbestos survey.

For example, if a property owner plans to remove a wall or ceiling, they need to carry out a new asbestos survey to ensure that the wall or ceiling does not contain ACMs. By doing so, they would ensure that they are not putting themselves, their workers, or potential occupants of the property at risk.

Asbestos surveys are also necessary when buying or selling a property. As a potential buyer, you need to know whether the property you are buying contains any asbestos-containing materials. If an asbestos survey has not been carried out recently, then it is essential to have one done before purchasing the property.

Materials Outside the Scope of an Asbestos Survey

While an asbestos survey is essential to identify asbestos-containing materials in a building, some materials are outside the scope of an asbestos survey. These materials include:

• Materials that have already been tested and confirmed not to contain asbestos
• Structures and fixtures made entirely of wood, metal, and glass
• Items such as crockery, cutlery, and furniture
• Small, personal items such as toys, books, and stuffed animals

Asbestos surveys do not usually include outdoor spaces, such as gardens or yards, unless they are directly related to a propertys occupancy or usage.

Asbestos Surveyors and the Survey Process

Asbestos surveys must be carried out by a competent surveyor with relevant training and qualifications. A professional asbestos surveyor will have access to equipment and facilities to test for ACMs in building materials.

A surveyor will take samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos and submit them for laboratory analysis. Once the results are back, the surveyor will compile a report with a detailed action plan on how to manage any ACMs found.

The survey report will also provide recommendations on how to manage any asbestos found on the premises to ensure the safety of those working or living there.

Refurbishment or Demolition of a Property

If refurbishment or demolition work is planned, then an asbestos refurbishment/demolition survey is required. This survey will be more intrusive and aim to identify all ACMs that could be encountered during the work.

The asbestos refurbishment/demolition survey must be carried out before any demolition or refurbishment work begins. It is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of all those affected by the construction work.

Properties That May Contain Asbestos

Asbestos was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. Therefore, properties built before this time may contain asbestos-containing materials. However, asbestos was not banned until 1999, meaning that even some modern buildings may be at risk of ACMs.

Common building materials that contain asbestos include:

• Insulation boards
• Lagging
• Floor tiles
• Roofing felt and tiles
• Cement products
• Textured coating
• Gaskets and seals
• Adhesives and mastics

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos-containing materials, you should contact a professional asbestos surveyor immediately.

Dont Send Asbestos Samples Through the Mail

If you suspect you have found asbestos-containing materials in your home, it may be tempting to take a sample and send it to a laboratory for testing. However, this should be avoided.

Sending asbestos samples through the mail is illegal in the UK, and it is against the law to dispose of asbestos-containing materials in regular household waste. Therefore, it is essential to contact a professional asbestos surveyor, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, who can arrange for safe, legal handling of the materials.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is the first step to ensure your safety and that of your family, workers or tenants if you are planning any changes to your property. While the length of the validity of the survey will depend on several factors, it is recommended to update it regularly.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England, that can provide you with the necessary survey and report to ensure you comply with UK regulations. Contact us today on 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected] to arrange your asbestos survey. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information.