How Often Should an Asbestos Survey Be Done in Hampshire?

Asbestos was a popular building material used in commercial and domestic constructions until the late 1990s, when it was discovered that it poses significant health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, if the asbestos fibres are inhaled. As a result, the UK government banned the use of asbestos in construction in 1999.

However, there are still many buildings in Hampshire that contain asbestos. Asbestos can be found in ceiling tiles, insulation, roofing, and floor tiles, among other building materials. As a result, it is crucial to have an asbestos survey done to identify its presence and establish its risk level.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a trusted asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you determine whether your building contains asbestos and its risk level. We have been in the industry for over 15 years and have helped many property owners in Hampshire and South East England manage asbestos in their building effectively.

In this article, we discuss how often you should have an asbestos survey done and why it is necessary for your property.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral that was popularly used in construction until the late 1990s. It is fire-resistant, durable, and affordable, making it ideal for insulation, flooring, roofing, and other building materials.

However, when asbestos is disturbed, it releases tiny fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. These diseases can take years to develop and have no cure, making asbestos a significant risk to the health of individuals who live or work in buildings that contain asbestos.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify and assess the presence of asbestos in the building. The survey is conducted by a trained and qualified asbestos surveyor who takes samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials and sends them to a laboratory for testing.

The surveyor will then provide a report outlining the risk level of the asbestos-containing materials found in the building and recommend appropriate measures to manage the asbestos risk effectively.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Necessary?

Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying the presence of asbestos in a building and managing its risk effectively. Here are some reasons why an asbestos survey is necessary for your property:

Compliance

Asbestos surveys are required by UK law for all non-domestic buildings, including commercial and industrial properties, to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. In addition, if you are planning to carry out any renovation or demolition work in your property, an asbestos survey is necessary to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Health and Safety

Asbestos can pose significant health risks to individuals who inhale the fibres. An asbestos survey can identify the presence of asbestos and its risk level, allowing property owners to take appropriate measures to manage the risk effectively, such as removal or encapsulation of the asbestos-containing materials.

Property Value

Asbestos can significantly affect the value of a property. If a property is found to contain asbestos, potential buyers may be deterred from purchasing the property, or they may negotiate a lower price. An asbestos survey can help property owners identify the presence of asbestos and take appropriate measures to manage the risk, which can increase the value of the property.

How Often Should an Asbestos Survey Be Done?

The frequency of asbestos surveys depends on the type of building and its use. Here are some general guidelines on how often an asbestos survey should be done:

Management Survey

A management survey is a survey designed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building and assess their risk level. A management survey is required for all non-domestic buildings to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

After the initial management survey, the survey should be repeated every two to three years or when there are significant changes to the building, such as renovations or demolition work.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any demolition or renovation work is carried out on a building. The survey is designed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the renovation or demolition work.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a one-time survey that should be repeated when significant changes are made to the building, such as extensions or significant renovations.

Final Thoughts

Asbestos surveys are an essential aspect of managing the risk of asbestos in buildings. They help property owners identify the presence of asbestos and its risk level and take appropriate measures to manage the risk effectively.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a trusted asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help property owners identify the presence of asbestos in their building and take appropriate measures to manage the risk effectively. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for more information or to book an asbestos survey.