Should Asbestos Survey Be Carried Out On Every Refurbishment In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was extensively used as a building material in the UK until the mid-1980s. It was widely used in the construction of commercial buildings, houses, and public buildings. However, over time, research has shown that asbestos is highly toxic and can cause a range of deadly illnesses, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

As a result, in the UK, it is now illegal to use asbestos products. However, this does not mean that older buildings do not contain asbestos as it was so widely used in the past. Therefore, any refurbishment work carried out on older buildings in Hampshire must be assessed for asbestos to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire. We are committed to delivering affordable and high-quality asbestos surveys across Hampshire and the South East of England. In this landing page, we discuss why asbestos surveys should be carried out on every refurbishment in Hampshire.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials. It was valued for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, it is now widely recognised as one of the most dangerous industrial materials in the world due to its carcinogenic properties. Asbestos fibres are incredibly fine, and, when inhaled, can cause severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Asbestos comes in six different forms, each with a unique fibrous structure. These six types of asbestos fall into two categories: Serpentine and amphibole asbestos.

• Chrysotile (White): Serpentine
• Amosite (Brown): Amphibole
• Crocidolite (Blue): Amphibole
• Tremolite: Amphibole
• Anthophyllite: Amphibole
• Actinolite: Amphibole

The most commonly used form of asbestos was chrysotile, which accounts for around 90% of all asbestos found in UK buildings. Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials, including roofing tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation boards, and pipes. Properties that were built before the year 2000 are likely to contain asbestos materials.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive assessment of a building's structure to identify any areas containing asbestos. The surveyor will take samples from materials suspected of containing asbestos and test them in a laboratory, and the test results will determine if the materials contain asbestos or not.

The survey will also provide information about the quantity, condition, and location of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the building. This information is risk assessed to determine the level of risk and decide on the best management method to implement.

In the UK, there are two types of asbestos surveys: Management Survey and Refurbishment/Demolition Survey.

Management Survey

This survey is carried out to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a commercial or domestic property.

The purpose of this survey is to identify the location, the type, and condition of the ACMs in the building, determine the level of risk, and recommend appropriate management actions. The survey report includes a risk assessment matrix to help determine the required action.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

This survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken on any building or structure. The purpose is to identify any asbestos containing materials (ACMs) that may pose a risk to those involved in the refurbishment or demolition work.

The report from this survey will include a list of all ACMs found, including photographs and details about their location, condition, and type. This information will be used to create a detailed risk assessment, and an action plan for safe removal and disposal of the ACMs will be presented.

Why should asbestos surveys be carried out on every refurbishment in Hampshire?

Asbestos surveys must be carried out on every refurbishment in Hampshire to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. According to the HSE, an asbestos refurbishment survey is essential for any work which disturbs the fabric of the building, e.g. removal of wall or floor tiles, installing new building foundations or extensions, re-wiring of electrical installations, or installation of new heating systems.

This means that any work that disturbs the fabric of an older building must first identify if any ACMs are present to ensure the safety of workers and the public. Failure to carry out an asbestos survey can result in fines, legal action, and potential harm to workers and the public.

Asbestos Management

As well as carrying out surveys, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire also provides asbestos management services. Our team of asbestos specialists can design and implement an asbestos management plan for your property that complies with all regulations and takes into account the unique features of your property.

Our management services include regular inspections of your property to identify any ACMs that may pose a risk, implementing best practice measures for managing any identified ACMs, regular asbestos awareness training for staff and contractors, and detailed reporting on any ACMs found.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos is an extremely hazardous material that can pose a significant risk to human health. As a result, it is essential that asbestos surveys are carried out on every refurbishment in Hampshire, and building owners implement a comprehensive asbestos management plan.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire. We are committed to delivering high-quality surveys and management services to our clients across Hampshire and the South East of England. If you require an asbestos survey or management plan, please contact us on 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. Our website is affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk.