How Often Is Asbestos Survey Required In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building construction until the late 1980s due to its remarkable properties such as insulation, durability, and fire-retardant. However, research has shown that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. This is why the UK government has set up regulations to manage the risks of asbestos in properties.

One of the key requirements for asbestos management is the asbestos survey. An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a property to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess their condition. The purpose of the survey is to help property owners and managers identify potential hazards, manage risks, and comply with regulations. But how often is an asbestos survey required in Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer comprehensive asbestos survey and management services for both commercial and residential properties in Hampshire and the South East of England. Our team of qualified and experienced surveyors uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide accurate and reliable results. We prioritize the safety of our clients and the environment, and we follow all relevant regulations and guidelines in our work.

Our company has been in the industry for many years, and we have established a solid reputation for quality, affordability, and professionalism. We understand the importance of asbestos surveys in protecting people's health and properties, and we offer customized solutions to meet our clients' needs and budgets.

If you need an asbestos survey or any related services, such as asbestos testing or removal, you can rely on Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. You can contact us on 01962 458066 or send us an email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services and request a free quote.

Asbestos and the Risks in Properties

Asbestos was widely used in building materials such as insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing, and pipes because it was cheap, abundant, and effective. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release tiny fibers that can be inhaled or ingested, leading to health problems.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years or even decades to develop, and they can be fatal. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 5,000 workers in the UK die each year from asbestos-related diseases, and the number is expected to rise. This is why the UK government has established regulations to manage the risks of asbestos in properties.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out the legal requirements for managing asbestos in non-domestic properties such as offices, shops, factories, schools, and hospitals. The duty holder, which can be the property owner, the landlord, or the employer, has the responsibility to identify, assess, and manage the risks of asbestos in the property. The duty holder must also maintain an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan that outlines the measures to be taken to minimize the risks.

In domestic properties, the duty holder is usually the homeowner, and the regulations are less strict. However, homeowners still have the responsibility to ensure that their properties are safe and comply with regulations. They can hire a professional asbestos survey company to conduct an asbestos survey and receive advice on managing the risks.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys that can be carried out in a property: the management survey and the refurbishment/demolition survey.

The management survey is a standard survey that aims to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the property. The surveyor will inspect all accessible areas of the property, including ceilings, floors, walls, voids, lofts, and basements, and take samples of suspected ACMs for analysis. The surveyor will then produce a report that details the location, condition, and type of ACMs found and recommend the measures to be taken to manage the risks. The asbestos register and the asbestos management plan will be based on the findings of the management survey.

The refurbishment/demolition survey, also known as the full access survey, is a more intrusive survey that is required before major refurbishment or demolition work is carried out in a property. The surveyor will access all areas of the property, including areas that may be difficult to reach or hidden behind walls or ceilings, and take aggressive samples of all suspected ACMs. The surveyor will then produce a report that details the location, condition, and type of ACMs found and recommend the measures to be taken to remove or encapsulate the ACMs before the work begins.

How Often Is Asbestos Survey Required in Hampshire?

The frequency of asbestos survey depends on several factors, including the type, age, and condition of the property, the previous survey findings, the occupancy, the use, and the maintenance history. The HSE recommends that asbestos surveys should be reviewed and updated regularly, and that the asbestos register and management plan should be revised as necessary.

As a general rule, a management survey should be carried out every two to three years, or whenever there is a significant change in the property, such as refurbishment or demolition, or when new tenants move in. If the property is found to contain asbestos, the duty holder must ensure that the ACMs are managed or removed safely and that the asbestos register and management plan are updated accordingly.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work, regardless of the previous surveys. The survey must be carried out by a licensed asbestos surveyor who is competent in the type of work to be done, and the findings must be used to inform the removal or encapsulation of the ACMs before the work begins.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Choosing the right asbestos survey company is critical in ensuring the safety of your property and occupants. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer several advantages that make us stand out from the competition:

• We are a local company that understands the needs and challenges of properties in Hampshire and the South East of England.
• We have a team of highly skilled and qualified surveyors who are committed to providing the best possible service to our clients.
• We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• We offer competitive prices and customized solutions that meet our clients' needs and budgets.
• We prioritize the safety of our clients and the environment and follow all relevant regulations and guidelines in our work.
• We provide comprehensive reports and advice to help our clients manage the risks of asbestos and comply with regulations.

If you need an asbestos survey or any related services in Hampshire or the South East of England, do not hesitate to contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. You can reach us on 01962 458066 or send us an email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services and request a free quote.