Should Asbestos Show Up In Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries in the UK until it was banned in 1999. Despite the ban, asbestos is still present in many buildings throughout the country, including homes, public buildings, and commercial premises. Due to its hazardous nature, it is important to identify the presence of asbestos in any building or material and take appropriate action to manage or remove it if necessary.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire and the South East of England. We provide a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, management, and removal. In this article, we will explore the importance of asbestos surveys and why it is crucial to identify the presence of asbestos in any building or material.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in construction and other industries due to their properties of heat resistance, strength, and durability. The three most commonly used types of asbestos are:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

Although asbestos was widely used in the past, it is now known to pose a serious health risk. When asbestos fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and other internal organs, leading to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

The Need for Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos is still present in many buildings throughout the UK, particularly those constructed or refurbished before the ban in 1999. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are a particular concern, as they can release asbestos fibres into the air when disturbed, damaged or poorly maintained.

This is why it is crucial to identify the presence of asbestos in any building or material. An asbestos survey will assess the condition, presence, and extent of any ACMs in a building, and help to identify any risks to health.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys that may be required:

Management Survey

A management survey is a standard asbestos survey that is necessary for all non-domestic premises built before the year 2000. The aim of this survey is to locate the presence of any ACMs that may pose a risk of exposure to employees, contractors, and others who may use the premises.

The survey will involve a visual inspection of the building, identifying any materials suspected of containing asbestos. Samples of these materials may be taken for analysis to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken in a building, regardless of its age. This type of survey is more extensive than a management survey and involves a full intrusive inspection of the building in question.

The aim of an R&D survey is to locate all possible ACMs within a building or structure, as these materials may be disturbed or damaged during the demolition or refurbishment process. This survey will involve taking samples of any materials that are suspected of containing asbestos, to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos in the material.

Why Do You Need An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is crucial to identify the presence of asbestos in any building or material, as it will help to:

• Manage the risks associated with the presence of ACMs
• Ensure compliance with current health and safety regulations
• Protect the health and safety of people who use the building or material, including workers, contractors, and visitors
• Avoid costly removal of non-asbestos materials, which can be mistaken for ACMs without a survey
• Prevent the spread of asbestos fibres into the air, which can be dangerous to those around the material.

Asbestos surveys can identify the presence of asbestos and allow for the management or removal of the material, preventing the spread of asbestos fibres and protecting the health and safety of people who use the building or material.

When is an Asbestos Survey needed?

An asbestos survey is needed whenever there is a possibility that a building or material might contain asbestos. This is the case for all buildings built before 2000, as they are more likely to contain ACMs. For example, if you are planning a refurbishment or demolition project, you will need to have an R&D asbestos survey carried out before commencing work.

If you are buying or renting a property, it is recommended that you have an asbestos survey carried out to identify any potential asbestos risks. This will allow you to manage any risks effectively and avoid costly removal or remediation later on.

What Type of Survey is Required?

The type of asbestos survey required will depend on the nature of the building and the work that is being carried out. A management survey is necessary for all non-domestic premises built before the year 2000. A refurbishment and demolition survey will be required if any refurbishment or demolition work is being undertaken, regardless of the building's age.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we can provide both types of asbestos survey, as well as asbestos removal and management services. If you are unsure which type of survey you require, please get in touch and we will be happy to advise you on the best course of action.

Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos is regulated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which places a duty on employers, building owners, and contractors to manage asbestos risks in their buildings and materials. The regulations cover non-domestic buildings, including public buildings, industrial and commercial premises, and exclusive homes built before 2000.

The regulations require building owners and employers to identify, assess, and manage any risks associated with asbestos in their buildings. This includes ensuring that asbestos surveys are carried out where necessary, and that any ACMs are managed or removed safely.

Asbestos Management

Asbestos can be safely managed if its presence and condition are properly assessed and monitored. Asbestos management involves identifying ACMs in a building, assessing their condition, and deciding on the most appropriate course of action to manage or remove the material.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we provide comprehensive asbestos management services, including asbestos surveys, air monitoring, and asbestos removal. Our team of specialists can help you to manage the risks associated with asbestos in your building, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and protecting the health and safety of people who use the building or material.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause serious health risks when its fibres become airborne. As a result, it is crucial to identify the presence of asbestos in any building or material and take appropriate action to manage or remove it if necessary.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire and the South East of England. We provide a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, management, and removal. If you are concerned about the presence of asbestos in your building or material, please get in touch with us today.

Contact us at 01962 458066 or send an email to [email protected] for more information. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about the services we offer.