How Often Asbestos Survey is Required in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in the construction industry during the 20th century. It was a popular material for building and insulation due to its fire-resistant and durable properties. However, research has shown that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Therefore, it is essential for property owners to take the necessary steps to manage asbestos in their buildings. This includes conducting regular asbestos surveys to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and ensuring their safe removal or management. In this article, we will discuss how often asbestos survey is required in Hampshire and the importance of managing asbestos in your property.

Who are Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England. We have a team of experienced and qualified surveyors who provide comprehensive asbestos survey and management services for domestic and commercial properties. Our aim is to ensure that our clients comply with the legal requirements for managing asbestos and protect their health and safety.

You can contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for any asbestos-related inquiries. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information about our services.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building to identify any materials that contain asbestos. The survey involves taking samples of suspected ACMs and analyzing them in a laboratory to confirm their asbestos content. The survey report contains information about the location, condition, and type of asbestos found in the building.

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

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-destructive survey that aims to identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or repair work. The survey is designed to assess the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers and provide recommendations for the safe management or removal of the ACMs.

A management survey is required by law for all non-domestic properties built before 2000. The survey should be carried out by a competent surveyor and reviewed regularly (usually every two to three years) or if there are any changes to the building or its use.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that involves taking samples of all materials that may be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition work. The survey aims to identify all ACMs that may present a risk to workers or occupants during the work.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required by law for all buildings (domestic and non-domestic) built before 2000 that are due to undergo refurbishment or demolition work. It should be carried out by a qualified and experienced surveyor before any work takes place.

Why is Asbestos Survey Important?

Asbestos survey is important for several reasons:

Legal Requirement

It is a legal requirement to manage asbestos in all non-domestic properties built before 2000. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires property owners to identify and manage any ACMs in their buildings to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in severe penalties such as fines and imprisonment.

Health and Safety

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause serious health conditions such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos fibers can occur when ACMs are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated. Asbestos survey helps to identify and manage any ACMs in a building to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers and protect the health and safety of workers and occupants.

Property Value

Asbestos-containing materials can affect the value of a property. Prospective buyers or tenants may be deterred by the presence of ACMs and the cost of their removal or management. Asbestos survey provides information about the location and condition of any ACMs in a building, which can help to negotiate a fair sale or lease price.

How Often Asbestos Survey is Required?

The frequency of asbestos survey depends on the type and condition of a building and its use. For example, a building that is occupied by tenants and undergoes regular maintenance may require more frequent surveys than a vacant building that is rarely visited.

Management Survey

A management survey should be reviewed regularly (usually every two to three years) or if there are any changes to the building or its use. The review should include the re-inspection of previously identified ACMs and the identification of new ACMs that may have been introduced.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required each time a building is due to undergo refurbishment or demolition work. The survey must be carried out before any work takes place to ensure the safe management or removal of any ACMs.

How to Manage Asbestos in Your Property?

Managing asbestos in your property involves the following steps:

Asbestos Survey

Conduct an asbestos survey to identify any ACMs in your building. The survey report should include a management plan that outlines the condition and location of the ACMs, the level of risk they pose, and the recommended actions for their safe removal or management.

Risk Assessment

Assess the level of risk posed by the identified ACMs. The risk assessment should consider factors such as the location, condition, and frequency of disturbance of the ACMs, and the potential exposure to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Management Plan

Develop an asbestos management plan that outlines the measures to be taken to manage the identified ACMs. The plan should include details of the safe removal or encapsulation of the ACMs, the training of staff and contractors, and the regular monitoring and review of the plan.

Regular Review

Regularly review the asbestos management plan to ensure that it remains valid and effective. The review should include the re-inspection of previously identified ACMs and the identification of new ACMs that may have been introduced.

Conclusion

Asbestos survey is a crucial aspect of managing asbestos in your property. It helps to identify and manage any ACMs that may pose a risk to the health and safety of workers and occupants. The frequency of asbestos survey depends on the type and condition of the building and its use.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England. We provide comprehensive asbestos survey and management services for domestic and commercial properties. Contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for any asbestos-related inquiries. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information about our services.