How Many Types of Asbestos Surveys Are There in Hampshire?

Are you a Hampshire resident, property owner or manager who suspects that your property contains asbestos? Then you have a legal obligation to undertake an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition activity takes place. But how many types of asbestos surveys are there in Hampshire, and which one is right for you? This article will explore the different types of asbestos surveys and help you make an informed decision about which one to choose.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Before we dive into the different types of asbestos surveys, let's take a moment to introduce our company, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We are a Hampshire-based asbestos survey company that specialises in providing affordable and reliable asbestos removal services to individuals and businesses across Hampshire and South East England. Our team of experienced professionals has been providing asbestos survey, management and removal services for over a decade, and is fully trained and licensed to handle all types of asbestos-related work.

We understand that dealing with asbestos can be stressful, which is why we offer a friendly and professional service that puts your safety and peace of mind first. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to delivering high-quality services at an affordable price, without compromising on safety or quality. You can trust us to provide you with a comprehensive and reliable asbestos survey service that will help you comply with legal regulations and keep your property and occupants safe.

What is Asbestos?

Before we delve into the different types of asbestos surveys, let's first define what asbestos is. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building and construction from the 1950s until the late 1990s, primarily for its insulation and fireproofing properties. However, exposure to asbestos can cause a range of serious and potentially fatal lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

In 1999, the UK government banned the use of asbestos in all new buildings, but it is still present in many older buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s. It is important to note that asbestos is safe if it is undisturbed and in good condition. However, if asbestos-containing materials begin to deteriorate or are disturbed during refurbishment or demolition work, they can release harmful fibres into the air, leading to potential health hazards.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property to identify any materials that contain asbestos. It is a legal requirement for anyone who owns or manages a non-domestic property (such as a commercial, industrial, or public building) to undertake an asbestos survey before any refurbishment, demolition, or maintenance work takes place. The survey is designed to identify the location, type, condition, and extent of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building, and assess the risk of exposure to those working on the premises.

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

Management Surveys

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey and is designed to identify the presence and condition of ACMs that may be present in a building. The survey is non-intrusive and involves a visual inspection of the building's structure, services, and materials likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance work.

During a management survey, samples of suspected ACMs will be taken, but these will be lower in number than in a refurbishment and demolition survey. This survey is the most common type undertaken in the UK and finds materials that may have been added in later years. These are unexpected ACMs but are often as hazardous as the intentional use of asbestos in the past. This work is of paramount importance, and you can be safe in the knowledge that any ACMs will be managed by Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

A refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken on a property. As the name suggests, this type of survey is more extensive than a management survey and involves destructive testing to access areas that may be difficult to reach. It is carried out to identify any ACMs that may be present in the building before work begins, and to manage any risks associated with the disturbance of these materials.

During a refurbishment and demolition survey, all areas of the building (including those not typically accessed) will be accessed and sampled. This survey is more destructive, and access holes may need to be made to walls or ceilings. This type of survey is aimed at intentionally removing all of the relevant ACMs to facilitate the proposed work.

Our experienced asbestos survey team will take samples from each type of material found, and a full report will be sent to you detailing the condition, the type and location of each ACM found on the property. These documents will be required for insurance purposes or to satisfy legal requirements when selling the property.

Conclusion

Now you know the two main types of asbestos surveys in Hampshire a management survey and a refurbishment and demolition survey. As you can see, refurbishment and demolition surveys are much more comprehensive but are usually only required in larger refurbishment projects or demolitions of larger properties.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are happy to help with asbestos survey and management through our vastly experienced teams in the industry. You can trust us to provide you with a comprehensive and reliable asbestos survey service that will help you comply with legal regulations and keep your property and occupants safe. So, if you are in Hampshire and need asbestos survey services, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our team will be happy to provide you with professional advice and services at an affordable price.