How Often Should Asbestos Surveys be Carried Out in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a toxic material that was commonly used in the construction of buildings before its ban in the UK in 1999. It is still present in many buildings constructed before this time and can pose a significant risk to health if disturbed.

The law requires those responsible for maintaining and managing non-domestic premises to identify and manage any asbestos within their buildings. This includes carrying out regular asbestos surveys to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified, and a management plan put in place to ensure the safety of all those who enter the premises.

In Hampshire, South East England, there are many buildings that may still contain asbestos, and it is essential that asbestos surveys are carried out on a regular basis to ensure the safety of those who use these buildings. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, and we are here to help you understand how often asbestos surveys should be carried out in your building.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

Before we address the question of how often asbestos surveys should be carried out, it is essential to understand what an asbestos survey is and why it is necessary.

An asbestos survey is a systematic examination of a building's physical structure and the materials used in its construction to identify if any ACMs are present. The examination should be conducted by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor who will visually inspect the property and take samples of any suspicious-looking material for analysis in a UKAS accredited laboratory.

The survey will identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs and assess the level of risk they pose to building occupants. Once the surveyor has completed the examination, they will provide a written report detailing their findings and recommend the necessary steps to manage the identified ACMs effectively.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

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

Management Survey

A management survey is the standard survey required to identify the presence and location of ACMs that may be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. This type of survey is recommended on all commercial buildings designated for public use; office buildings, schools, university buildings, roads, public transportation infrastructure, and other such premises.

The survey will identify any ACMs, their locations, and a management plan to minimize the risk of exposure in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. It is used to locate all ACMs that may be disturbed during the work and that require removal or management.

This type of survey is more extensive than a management survey and may require the removal of walls, ceilings, or floors as required to identify any asbestos present in these structures.

How Often should Asbestos Surveys be Carried out in Hampshire?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that duty holders responsible for non-domestic premises must manage any ACMs in their building and perform regular asbestos surveys to ensure that they are managing them correctly.

The frequency of these asbestos surveys depends on various factors, including the type of building, the age of the building, the previous survey history, and the ACMs previously identified.

In general, a further management survey must be carried out at least every year, or sooner if there is a change in the use of the building, or maintenance and repair work is undertaken that may have disturbed the ACMs.

For example, if a significant repair was undertaken in a particular part of the building, the asbestos surveyor would need to check to see if this repair caused any disturbance to the ACMs on a priority inspection. Following this, further surveillance would be needed in 6-12 months' time to ensure that no further damage has taken place.

Similarly, if the building were undergoing refurbishment, decommissioning, demolition, or occupation of new tenants, a refurbishment and demolition survey is necessary to assess the condition of ACMs.

Once the initial surveys have been completed, an asbestos management plan should be installed and reviewed regularly. The Integrated Management plan will set out the necessary steps to manage the identified ACMs and any asbestos-related risks.

Do all Buildings Require Asbestos Surveys?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 covers the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings. It is a legal requirement for those responsible for maintaining commercial buildings to protect building occupants against the dangers of asbestos.

However, domestic buildings, such as private residences, are not covered by the regulations, and therefore no legal requirement is imposed to perform an asbestos survey. Due to the harmful effects of asbestos, it should be inspected and removed wherever possible before carrying out any work on a home from before the ban of asbestos.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire Help?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you identify the presence and location of any ACMs in your building. We understand the requirements for asbestos management surveyors and asbestos removal, and we have a team of fully qualified surveyors to perform asbestos surveys for you.

Our asbestos surveys are conducted to UKAS standards, and we provide a comprehensive report detailing our findings and that outlines the best approach to maintain your safety and safety of your employees or tenants.

We also offer asbestos removal services and can provide you with the necessary removal plans and approvals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause significant health complications when disturbed. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 outlines the requirement for duty holders to manage any ACMs in their non-domestic buildings by performing regular asbestos surveys.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is here to help you manage the presence of asbestos in your building by providing qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors to perform your required surveys together with helping you to ensure your safety and protecting your building's occupants from any potential harm.