How Often Do I Need To Do An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials until it was banned in the UK in 1999 due to the severe health risks associated with exposure to the substance. It is estimated that there are still millions of properties in the UK that contain asbestos, especially those built before the 1980s.

Asbestos is a serious threat to health, and any person or company that owns or manages a property must take steps to ensure that their building is safe from asbestos exposure. In this article, we will discuss the importance of asbestos surveys, the types of asbestos surveys, and how often you need to do an asbestos survey in Hampshire.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire that provides a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, asbestos removal, and management of asbestos-containing materials. Our team of experienced and licensed asbestos professionals is committed to delivering high-quality and affordable asbestos-related services in Hampshire and its surrounding areas.

If you are concerned about asbestos in your property, we can conduct an asbestos survey to determine the presence, location, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials in your building. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our asbestos surveys.

Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building or property to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be present. The survey is conducted by a qualified and licensed asbestos professional who will take samples of any suspicious materials and send them to a laboratory for analysis. The survey will also identify the condition of the ACMs and the likelihood of the material becoming airborne, which is the most dangerous form of asbestos exposure.

The purpose of an asbestos survey is to protect the health and safety of people who may come into contact with asbestos, by identifying all possible areas where asbestos may be found. Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement for all non-domestic properties built before 2000, but they are also advisable for domestic properties to ensure that any suspected ACMs are safely managed or removed.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

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

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey of a building or property to identify ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy or any basic maintenance work. The purpose of a management survey is to determine the presence, location, condition, and extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the property, and to assess the risk of exposure to asbestos.

A management survey is required for all non-domestic properties, including commercial properties, community buildings, and public buildings, to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The survey should also be conducted if the building is being sold or leased, to ensure that asbestos risks are identified and managed properly.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is conducted before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building or property. The purpose of a refurbishment/demolition survey is to identify all ACMs, including those that are not easily accessible, such as those hidden behind walls or ceilings.

The survey is necessary to ensure that any refurbishment or demolition work can be carried out safely without the risk of exposing workers or members of the public to asbestos. Refurbishment/demolition surveys are required if the building is due for major refurbishment, renovation or demolition, to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

How Often Do You Need to Do an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

The frequency of asbestos surveys depends on the type of property and the risks associated with the asbestos-containing materials. The following are some general guidelines for how often you should do an asbestos survey in Hampshire:

Commercial Property

For non-domestic properties, management surveys must be carried out at least once every year to monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials and ensure that they are managed appropriately. If the property undergoes any refurbishment or demolition work, then a refurbishment/demolition survey must be conducted before the work begins.

Residential Property

Although it is not a legal requirement, it is advisable to conduct an asbestos survey on any residential property that was built before 2000, especially if you are planning to carry out major renovation or refurbishment work. This will ensure that any suspected asbestos-containing materials are safely managed or removed before any work begins.

Asbestos Register

After an asbestos survey has been completed, an asbestos register should be created and updated regularly to document the location, condition, and type of any ACMs in the building. This register should be accessible to anyone who may be exposed to asbestos in the building, including contractors, maintenance workers, and emergency services.

The asbestos register should also outline the procedures for managing or removing ACMs, including regular inspections, monitoring, and safe removal. The register should be reviewed and updated regularly, and any changes to the building or its contents should be reflected in the register.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a serious health risk that must be taken seriously, and any building owner or manager must take steps to ensure that their property is free from asbestos exposure. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a reliable and affordable asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you identify and manage any suspected ACMs in your property.

If you own or manage a commercial property, it is a legal requirement to carry out a management survey at least once a year. For residential properties, an asbestos survey is not a legal requirement, but it is advisable to conduct one before any major renovation or refurbishment work.

If you have any concerns about asbestos in your property, please contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for advice or to arrange an asbestos survey. We are always happy to help.