How Long Is an Asbestos Survey Valid in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was widely used in construction until the 1990s. Due to its harmful effects on human health, asbestos has been banned in many countries across the world, including the UK. However, asbestos can still be found in many older buildings and structures, and it continues to pose a significant risk to human health. As a result, it is essential to have proper asbestos surveys and management in place to ensure the safety of workers and visitors to the affected areas.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, providing a wide range of asbestos-related services across the region. We know the importance of ensuring the safety of workers and the general public, and we are committed to providing affordable and effective asbestos removal and management solutions to our clients.

Asbestos

Before we dive into the specifics of asbestos surveys, let's first discuss what asbestos is and why it poses a risk to human health. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction materials until the 1990s. It was favoured for its strength, durability, and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals.

When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, such as during demolition or renovation work, the fibres become airborne and can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. These fibres can lodge themselves in the lungs and cause serious respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Survey and Management

To ensure the safety of workers and visitors in buildings that may contain asbestos, it is essential to have proper asbestos surveys and management plans in place. Asbestos surveys can identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present in a building, while management plans can provide guidelines for managing and removing these materials safely.

Asbestos surveys are required in any building constructed before 2000, or any building that may have been renovated since then. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Asbestos surveys should be carried out by trained and competent professionals, who will use specialised equipment to identify the presence and location of ACMs.

Management Survey

One type of asbestos survey is a management survey. This survey is designed to identify any ACMs that might be present in a building, assess their condition, and recommend appropriate courses of action to manage the materials safely. The management survey is usually the first step in creating an asbestos management plan for a building.

During a management survey, the surveyor will conduct a thorough inspection of the building, including walls, floors, ceilings, and any hidden areas such as storage cupboards or ducts. They will take samples of suspected ACMs and send them for laboratory testing to confirm their presence and type. The surveyor will then compile a detailed report outlining their findings and recommendations for managing any identified ACMs.

Health and Safety

Health and safety regulations require that all ACMs present in a building are identified and managed correctly to ensure the safety of anyone who may be exposed to them. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal action. Therefore, it is essential to have an up-to-date asbestos survey and management plan in place to mitigate the risks associated with ACMs.

Asbestos surveys and management plans must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Any changes to the building or its usage may require a new survey or a review of the existing management plan.

Asbestos-Containing Material Register

If ACMs are identified during an asbestos survey, they must be documented in an asbestos-containing material register (ACM register). This register is a legal requirement and must be accessible to all workers and contractors who may come into contact with the ACMs. The register should include detailed information on the type, location, and condition of each ACM and how it is being managed.

Changes to Buildings and Demolition Plan

If there are any changes to the building or its usage, such as a renovation or demolition, a new asbestos survey may be required. This is to ensure that any new works do not disturb any ACMs that may be present. If the building is to be demolished, a demolition plan must be prepared that includes specific procedures for the safe removal and disposal of any ACMs.

Types of Asbestos

There are six recognised types of asbestos, although only three were commonly used in construction materials:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

All types of asbestos are dangerous when inhaled, but some are more hazardous than others. Blue asbestos is the most dangerous, while white asbestos is the least harmful. However, all types of asbestos have been banned in the UK since 1999.

Brown Asbestos

Brown asbestos, also known as amosite, was commonly used in construction until the 1980s. It was particularly favoured for its heat resistance properties and was often used in insulation materials, such as pipe lagging, ceiling tiles, and insulation boards. Brown asbestos is considered more hazardous than white asbestos and is linked to a higher risk of developing lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Surveys in Hampshire

If you require an asbestos survey in Hampshire or the surrounding areas, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can help. As a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, we provide a range of survey and management services to clients across the region. We understand the importance of ensuring the safety of workers and visitors in buildings that may contain asbestos, and we are committed to providing affordable and effective solutions to our clients.

Hampshire, South East England

Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England, bordered by Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, West Sussex, and the Isle of Wight. The county has a population of around 1.8 million people and is home to several major towns and cities, including Southampton, Portsmouth, and Winchester.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious respiratory diseases if not managed correctly. Asbestos surveys and management plans are essential in identifying and managing any ACMs present in a building, to ensure the safety of workers and visitors. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, providing affordable and effective solutions to our clients across the region. If you require an asbestos survey or management plan, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.