How Often Should Asbestos Surveys Be Done In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the UK until the 1980s. It was used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building products because of its heat and fire-resistant properties. However, exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, it is essential to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building to prevent exposure.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England. We provide asbestos surveys and management services to both commercial and domestic clients. We are often asked by our clients how often they should have an asbestos survey done. In this landing page, we will discuss the various factors that determine the frequency of asbestos surveys.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough examination of a building or property to identify any ACMs that may be present. The survey can involve collecting samples of materials suspected to contain asbestos and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. The survey report will detail the location and condition of the ACMs and provide recommendations for their management.

Why Are Asbestos Surveys Required?

In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that all non-domestic properties are surveyed for asbestos-containing materials. This includes all commercial premises, public buildings, and shared areas of residential properties such as stairwells and corridors. Asbestos surveys are required to protect the health of workers and occupants by ensuring that ACMs are identified and managed safely.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

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

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey intended to locate and assess the condition of ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy and routine maintenance of a building. The survey involves taking samples of suspected ACMs and assessing their condition. The survey report will include a management plan for the identified ACMs.

Refurbishment or Demolition Survey

A refurbishment or demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. This survey involves destructive sampling to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed during the work. The survey report will include a plan for the safe removal of the ACMs before any work begins.

How Often Should Asbestos Surveys Be Done?

The HSE recommends that regular asbestos surveys are carried out to ensure the ongoing management of any ACMs in a building. The frequency of surveys depends on several factors, including the age and condition of the building, the use of the building, and any ACMs identified in previous surveys.

Buildings Constructed Before 2000

If your building was constructed before 2000, there is a higher likelihood that it contains ACMs. Therefore, the HSE recommends that a management survey is carried out every two to three years to identify any new ACMs that may have been discovered or any changes in the condition of previously identified ACMs.

If any refurbishment or demolition work is planned, a refurbishment or demolition survey is required before the work begins. The survey will identify all ACMs that will be disturbed by the work and provide a plan for their safe removal.

Buildings Constructed After 2000

If your building was constructed after 2000, the likelihood of ACMs being present is lower. However, it is still possible that some materials may contain asbestos. Therefore, a management survey is recommended every five years to identify any new ACMs that may have been discovered or any changes in the condition of previously identified ACMs.

If any refurbishment or demolition work is planned, a refurbishment or demolition survey is required before the work begins.

High-Risk Buildings

Some buildings are considered to be at higher risk of containing ACMs than others. These include industrial buildings, warehouses, and buildings that have previously undergone refurbishment or demolition work. For these buildings, a more frequent survey schedule may be required, depending on the risk assessment carried out.

Changes in Building Use

If there is a change in the use of a building, it may be necessary to carry out a management survey to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed by the new use. For example, if a building was previously used for storage but is now being used as offices, a management survey may be required to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed by the installation of new equipment or cabling.

Changes in Building Condition

If there are any changes in the condition of a building, such as water damage or structural damage, it may be necessary to carry out a management survey to identify any ACMs that may have been disturbed by the damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the frequency of asbestos surveys depends on several factors, including the age and condition of the building, the use of the building, and any ACMs identified in previous surveys. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire recommends regular surveys to ensure the ongoing management of any ACMs in a building. We are an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England, and we provide affordable and reliable asbestos surveys and management services to our clients. For more information, please call us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].