How Long Does an Asbestos Survey Last in Hampshire?

Welcome to Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, your number one source for reliable and affordable asbestos survey in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s, and it is now known to cause a range of deadly illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. For this reason, it is imperative that you have your property surveyed for asbestos if you suspect that it may be present. In this landing page, we will discuss the duration of an asbestos survey and what it entails in Hampshire.

Asbestos and its Risks

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building construction between the 1950s and 1980s. Its strength, durability, insulation properties and resistance to heat made it an attractive material. However, asbestos particles can easily become airborne when the material is disturbed, and when inhaled, they can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These illnesses have a long latency period, which means that the symptoms may not show up until 10-50 years after exposure.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos is not necessarily dangerous if it is left undisturbed, but if the fibers are let into the air, they can pose a risk to human health. Therefore, before carrying out any work in a building or property, you need to determine whether asbestos is present, and you need to have a plan on how to manage it. An asbestos survey by a professional and accredited surveyor is the only way to determine whether asbestos is present in a property or building.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys.

Management Asbestos Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive inspection of a property or building to identify materials that contain asbestos. The survey is designed to locate all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed or damaged by normal occupancy or minor maintenance work. The survey will not access areas that are difficult to reach, such as behind walls or under floors, and it does not involve any destructive testing.

Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey (R&D survey) on the other hand is more intrusive and destructive, and it is required when the property owner intends to renovate or demolish the building. The survey will identify all ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during the work and determine their condition. The surveyor will take samples of any material that is suspected to contain asbestos and send them to an accredited testing laboratory.

How Long Does an Asbestos Survey Take?

The duration of a management or refurbishment and demolition survey will depend on many factors, such as the size and complexity of the building, the number of suspected ACMs, and the accessibility of the areas to be inspected. However, a general estimate is that a management survey takes less time than a refurbishment and demolition survey.

Management Asbestos Survey Duration

A management asbestos survey can take a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the complexity of the building and the number of suspected ACMs. For example, a one-bedroom flat with suspected asbestos insulation in the ceiling may take around two hours to survey, while a larger office building may take a few days to complete.

Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey Duration

A Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey is time-consuming because it is more intrusive and destructive than a management survey. The surveyor may need to take samples, break walls, or remove floorboards to access suspected areas. Therefore, the duration of the survey will be longer than that of a management survey. For example, a two-story house with suspected asbestos insulation and floor tiles may take up to two days or more to survey.

Asbestos Surveyors Visit and Examination

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, our asbestos surveyors are highly trained and experienced in carrying out asbestos surveys in Hampshire and the South East of England. When you contact us, we will send a team of surveyors to your property or building for an initial visit. During this visit, the surveyors will undertake a visual examination of the property or building, identify areas that may contain ACMs and discuss with you the best course of action. The surveyor will also discuss with you the type of survey required, the duration of the survey, and the cost. At this stage, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions related to the survey, asbestos, and management.

Sample Collection

If the surveyor identifies materials that are suspected to contain asbestos, they will take samples of the material for analysis at an accredited laboratory. The laboratory will test the samples to determine the type and amount of asbestos in the material. If the material contains more than 1% asbestos, it is regarded as an ACM and should be managed in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations.

The Importance of Asbestos Survey

In conclusion, an asbestos survey is essential to identify the location and nature of any ACMs present in a property or building. While a management survey does not require destructive testing and takes less time, a refurbishment and demolition survey is more intrusive and destructive and takes more time. Asbestos is a harmful mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s, and as a property or building owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property is safe for occupants and maintenance workers. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today for all your asbestos survey in Hampshire and the South East of England. We are available on 01962 458066, and you can also email us at [email protected].