Is A Commercial Tenant Required To Conduct An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

If you are a commercial tenant in Hampshire, you might be wondering if you are required to conduct an asbestos survey on your premises. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in construction until the 1990s, so there is a high chance that it is present in older buildings. In this article, we will discuss the legal requirements for commercial tenants in Hampshire regarding asbestos surveys, and the importance of conducting such surveys for both the safety of occupants and the financial value of the property.

The Role of Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey and removal company in Hampshire. We are dedicated to providing affordable, efficient, and high-quality services for clients looking to manage asbestos-related risks. Our team of certified professionals has years of experience in the industry, and we use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to conduct thorough and reliable surveys.

Our services include:

• Asbestos surveys: We offer different types of surveys, including management surveys, refurbishment surveys, and pre-demolition surveys, depending on the specific needs of the client.
• Asbestos testing: We collect samples and test them for the presence of asbestos, and provide detailed reports with the results.
• Asbestos removal: If asbestos is found, we provide safe and effective removal services, following strict regulations and guidelines.

We also offer advice and guidance on asbestos-related matters, including legal requirements, risk management, and best practice.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry due to its excellent heat resistance, durability, and insulation properties. The use of asbestos peaked in the UK in the 1970s and started to decline in the 1980s, and it was ultimately banned in 1999.

Asbestos is made up of microscopic fibers that can become airborne when disturbed, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop and are often incurable, making it crucial to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials in buildings.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Surveys

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) is the key legislation governing asbestos in the UK. According to CAR 2012, if you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of a commercial property, you have a legal duty to manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on the premises.

This duty includes conducting a suitable and sufficient assessment to identify the location, type, condition, and extent of any ACMs within the premises. The assessment must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever there is a significant change in the premises or its use.

The type of survey required depends on the nature and condition of the building, and the intended use of the survey results. There are three types of surveys:

• Management survey: This survey is required for all non-domestic properties and is intended to locate, assess, and manage any ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance. The survey is not intrusive, and only surface materials are sampled and analyzed.
• Refurbishment survey: This survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work and is intended to locate and identify all ACMs that could be disturbed by the work. The survey is more extensive and intrusive than a management survey, and all areas of the building must be accessed.
• Pre-demolition survey: This survey is required before any demolition work and is intended to locate and identify all ACMs in the building that will be subject to demolition. The survey is intrusive and may involve destructive testing.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important?

Conducting an asbestos survey is important for several reasons:

• Compliance: As discussed, commercial tenants have a legal duty to manage asbestos-containing materials on their premises. A survey is a crucial first step in fulfilling this duty and ensuring compliance with the law.
• Safety: The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are well-documented, and a survey is crucial in identifying any ACMs that could pose a risk to occupants, visitors, and contractors. Armed with this knowledge, appropriate control measures can be implemented to manage the risks effectively.
• Financial value: Asbestos can significantly affect the value of a property, especially if it is not managed properly. A survey can identify any ACMs and their condition, allowing appropriate action to be taken to protect the value of the property.
• Reputation: Asbestos-related incidents can damage the reputation of a business or organization, especially if they are found to be non-compliant with the law. A survey demonstrates a commitment to safety and compliance, enhancing the reputation of the organization.

Asbestos and Brexit

Brexit has not affected the legal requirements for asbestos surveys in the UK. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 remains in force, and commercial tenants in Hampshire are still required to manage any asbestos-containing materials on their premises.

When Is An Asbestos Survey Needed?

Whether a commercial tenant needs an asbestos survey depends on several factors, including:

• The age of the building: Buildings constructed before the banning of asbestos are more likely to contain ACMs.
• The nature of the building: Buildings that contain heating or ventilation systems, insulation, or fire protection systems are more likely to contain ACMs.
• The planned work on the building: If any refurbishment, repair, or demolition work is planned, an asbestos survey is required to identify any ACMs that could be disturbed by the work.

If you are looking to share or sell commercial property in Hampshire, you will also need to provide an asbestos survey report to prospective buyers or tenants. Failure to do so can result in legal action and financial penalties.

Summary

Commercial tenants in Hampshire are required by law to manage any asbestos-containing materials on their premises. This duty includes conducting a suitable and sufficient survey to identify the location, type, condition, and extent of any ACMs within the premises. Asbestos surveys are crucial for compliance, safety, financial value, and reputation. The type of survey required depends on the nature and condition of the building and the intended use of the survey results. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire offers reliable, efficient, and affordable asbestos survey services in Hampshire. If you suspect that your building may contain asbestos, call us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.