Is An Asbestos Survey Mandatory For A Factory Building in Hampshire?

If you are planning to construct or renovate a factory building in Hampshire, you might be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey. The short answer to this question is yes, you do. In this article, we will discuss why an asbestos survey is mandatory for a factory building in Hampshire, what an asbestos survey entails, what to expect from a survey, and who can conduct a survey. We are "Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire," a leading asbestos survey company based in Hampshire, South East England.

Asbestos and Its Dangers

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in building materials due to its fire retardant and insulating properties. It was widely used in the construction industry until the mid-1980s when its dangers were recognized. Asbestos fibers are extremely thin and airborne, making them easy to inhale. When inhaled, the fibers can stick to the lining of the lungs and cause diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

These diseases can take years to develop, and by the time you experience symptoms, the damage is already severe. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure make it important to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings.

The Importance of an Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is an essential step in managing ACMs in your building. It is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any ACMs present and assess their risk to health. The survey is crucial in ensuring compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. If you own, manage, or are responsible for a building, it is your duty to manage asbestos under CAR 2012 regulations.

A factory building is considered a non-domestic building, and the duty holder (the person who owns, manages, or controls the premises) must manage asbestos under CAR 2012. Therefore, an asbestos survey becomes a mandatory requirement for a factory building in Hampshire.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management Surveys
2. Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys.

A Management Survey is essential to manage asbestos-containing materials and is required for all non-domestic buildings, including factories, by the CAR 2012. A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out in a non-domestic building.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive than a management survey, and the surveyor will need access to all areas of the building, including walls, ceilings, and floors. A management survey is non-intrusive and focuses on areas where ACMs are likely to be present.

What to Expect from an Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey will involve an experienced surveyor visiting your factory building to inspect and sample suspected ACMs. The surveyor will take samples of any materials that they suspect might contain asbestos fibers for laboratory testing to confirm their presence.

Once the survey is complete, you will receive a detailed report that includes a description of each ACM identified, its location in the building, and its condition. The report will also include a risk assessment, recommendations on how to manage or remove any ACMs, and an asbestos register.

Who Can Conduct an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey can only be conducted by a surveyor who is competent and has the required qualifications and experience in asbestos inspection. The surveyor must hold a BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) P402 certificate, which is the recognized qualification for asbestos surveying.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, all our surveyors are BOHS P402 certified and have extensive experience in asbestos inspection. We are a reputable asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England, and have provided comprehensive asbestos surveys for various non-domestic buildings, including factories.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is a mandatory requirement for a factory building in Hampshire. It is your duty as the duty holder to ensure the safety and management of asbestos under CAR 2012. Asbestos exposure is a severe health risk that should not be taken lightly. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we understand the importance of asbestos survey to ensure the safety of occupants and workers in the factory building. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] for a comprehensive asbestos survey.