Is an Asbestos Survey Required by Law in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries due to its heat-resistant properties. It was widely used in construction until the 1980s, when it was discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres could lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. As a result, regulations were put in place to protect people from the dangers of asbestos.

If you're a property owner or manager in Hampshire, you may be wondering whether you need to conduct an asbestos survey. In this article, we'll explore the legal requirements for asbestos surveys in Hampshire, as well as the importance of asbestos surveys, the types of surveys available, and how to choose a reputable survey company.

The Legal Requirements for Asbestos Surveys in Hampshire

Asbestos surveys are required by law in certain situations. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, you must have an asbestos survey conducted if:

• You are the duty holder for non-domestic premises, which includes commercial, industrial, and public buildings. As the duty holder, you have legal responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the building.
• You are the owner of a domestic property, but you are planning to sell it.
• You are the owner of a domestic property, but you are planning to carry out renovations or refurbishments that could disturb asbestos-containing materials.

If you fall into any of these categories, you must have an asbestos survey conducted by a qualified surveyor to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your property.

Why Are Asbestos Surveys Important?

Asbestos surveys are important because they help to identify the presence and condition of asbestos in a building. This information is critical for ensuring the safety of occupants and workers. If asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos surveys also help to identify the type of asbestos-containing material present, which determines the level of risk and the appropriate management plan. Some types of asbestos, such as chrysotile, are less dangerous than others, such as crocidolite and amosite.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

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

A management survey is the most common type of survey and is used to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. This type of survey is required for all non-domestic premises and should also be conducted in domestic properties if the property was built before 2000.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required if you are planning to carry out refurbishment or demolition work that may disturb ACMs. This type of survey is more invasive and involves taking samples of suspected ACMs to determine their type and condition.

Choosing a Reputable Asbestos Survey Company

When choosing an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, it's important to look for a company that is licensed and qualified to carry out surveys. The surveyor should be accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and be a member of a professional organisation, such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).

You should also look for a company with experience in conducting asbestos surveys in your specific type of property. For example, if you own an industrial building, you should choose a company with experience in conducting surveys in industrial settings.

What Happens if ACMs are Identified?

If asbestos-containing materials are identified during an asbestos survey, you will need to develop a plan to manage the asbestos. This may involve removing the ACMs or monitoring them to ensure they are not disturbed or damaged.

Asbestos removal should only be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we provide safe and affordable asbestos removal services in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts are licensed and qualified to handle all types of asbestos and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are an essential part of managing asbestos-containing materials in buildings. In Hampshire, asbestos surveys are required by law in certain situations, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal consequences.

If you're in Hampshire and require an asbestos survey, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. Our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk, provides more information about our services and our commitment to safety and affordability.