How Often Do I Need An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a toxic and harmful substance that was widely used in buildings, construction materials, and products until the late 1990s. It is known to cause serious health complications such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. As a result, the UK has strict laws and regulations in place regarding the handling, removal, and survey of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

If you own a property in Hampshire, you may be wondering about the frequency of asbestos surveys that are required by law. In this guide, we will explore what asbestos surveys are, why they are necessary, and how often they need to be carried out. We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, with years of experience in the industry.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used for its insulating properties and durability in building materials such as roofing, walls, pipes, and flooring. ACMs were also used in products such as insulation, brakes, and textiles. However, the risks associated with asbestos were not fully understood until the 20th century.

Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that can easily become airborne and then inhaled or ingested. Once inside the body, these fibers can cause lifelong damage to the lungs and other organs. It can take many years, even decades, for the symptoms of asbestos exposure to manifest. As a result, it is crucial to identify ACMs and manage them properly.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building or property to identify the presence and condition of ACMs. This survey is required by law to ensure the safe management and removal of any ACMs that may pose a risk to human health. An asbestos survey should only be conducted by a qualified and licensed asbestos surveyor.

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive visual inspection of a property or building that aims to locate any ACMs that may be present. These surveys are usually carried out in occupied buildings to identify areas where there is a risk of asbestos exposure. This type of survey does not disturb the building's fabric and is done by checking buildings for potential ACMs.

Refurbishment or Demolition Survey

A refurbishment or demolition survey is a much more intrusive survey than the management survey. It is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. This survey involves a thorough examination of the structure and fabric of the building and may involve destructive testing to identify ACMs that may be hidden. A refurbishment or demolition survey should only be carried out by a fully licensed and experienced asbestos surveyor.

Why Are Asbestos Surveys Necessary?

Asbestos surveys are necessary to protect the health and safety of those using or working in a building or property. If ACMs are disturbed, they can release toxic fibers into the air that can cause serious health problems. It is essential to identify and manage any ACMs to ensure they are not disturbed and do not pose a risk to human health.

In addition to the health risks, it is a legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires all non-domestic properties in the UK to have an asbestos survey carried out. This includes any building constructed before the year 2000. Domestic properties are not required to have an asbestos survey, but if you are undertaking any building work, then it is highly recommended.

How Often Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

The frequency of asbestos surveys can vary depending on the type of building and its usage. If you are an employer, landlord, or property manager, you have a legal obligation to manage any potential asbestos risks within your premises. You should have an asbestos survey carried out if:

• You are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a building and do not have any information about the presence of ACMs.
• You suspect ACMs may be present or have been identified.
• You are planning any refurbishment or demolition work that may disturb the fabric of a building.

The results of an asbestos survey will determine the next course of action, which may include removal, management or encapsulation of ACMs. The survey report will also include a recommended re-inspection interval. This will vary depending on the type and condition of the ACMs identified.

A management survey should be updated at least once every 12 months, or more frequently if there are any significant changes to the building or its use. If ACMs are identified during a management survey, then a refurbishment or demolition survey will be necessary if any refurbishment or demolition work is planned.

How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire Help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an experienced and qualified asbestos survey company in Hampshire. We have a team of fully licensed and insured asbestos surveyors who can carry out management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to identify any ACMs on your property. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure a comprehensive and accurate survey.

Our team can also offer an asbestos management plan, which will include a detailed report of all ACMs found and their condition. We can provide recommendations for the safe management, removal, or encapsulation of ACMs on your property.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help with your asbestos survey requirements. Call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information. We are based in Hampshire and cover the South East of England.