Should You Always Do An Asbestos Survey For An Extension In Hampshire?

If you are planning on extending your home or renovating an existing property in Hampshire, it's important to consider whether or not you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a fibrous material that was commonly used in building materials until it was banned in the UK in 1999. The danger of asbestos lies in the fact that when it is disturbed, it releases fibres into the air that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. In this landing page, we will explore why it's important to carry out an asbestos survey before carrying out any building work and introduce to Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is composed of fine, fibrous materials. It was widely used in the construction of buildings in the UK until the 1990s due to its insulating properties and fire-resistance. However, it was later found to be a major health hazard, causing a range of respiratory problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Survey

An asbestos survey is a detailed examination of a property or building to identify any materials that may contain asbestos. The survey should be carried out by a qualified professional who will take samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) for laboratory analysis. There are two types of asbestos survey: management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey.

A management survey is designed to locate any ACMs that may be present in a building and assess their condition. The survey is non-intrusive and is intended to be used as part of an ongoing management plan.

A refurbishment/demolition survey, on the other hand, is a more intrusive type of survey that is carried out prior to any major refurbishment or demolition works. The survey will access all areas of the building and identify any ACMs that may be present. A refurbishment/demolition survey is required if the building is going to be renovated or demolished.

Asbestos Survey

The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify and assess the condition of any ACMs that may be present in a building. If ACMs are identified, a plan can then be put in place to manage or remove them. This is necessary to ensure the safety of anyone who may come into contact with the building, including residents, workers and visitors.

It's important to note that although you can't see or smell asbestos fibres, they can be present in a wide range of building materials, including insulation, plasterboard, cement, and ceiling and floor tiles.

Home

If you're planning any building work on your home, whether it's a small extension or a major renovation, it's important to have an asbestos survey carried out. It's not always easy to tell if a building material contains asbestos, and disturbing ACMs during building work can release dangerous fibres into the air.

As a homeowner, you have a legal responsibility to manage the risk of asbestos in your property. If you don't have an asbestos survey carried out and someone is later exposed to asbestos fibres as a result of building work, you could be held liable.

Also

As well as being a legal requirement, an asbestos survey is a crucial part of ensuring the safety of anyone who may come into contact with a building. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can remain in the air for long periods, making them easy to inhale.

By having an asbestos survey carried out, you will not only be complying with the law but also protecting the health and wellbeing of yourself and others.

Fibres

Asbestos fibres are very small and lightweight, meaning they can easily be inhaled into the lungs. Once the fibres are in the lungs, they cannot be broken down and can remain there for many years, causing damage to the lung tissue and leading to respiratory problems.

The effects of asbestos exposure are not immediate and can take many years to develop. This makes it all the more important to identify and manage the risk of asbestos before it becomes a problem.

Material

Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials and products, including:

• Insulation
• Pipe lagging
• Ceiling tiles
• Textured coatings
• Floor tiles
• Cement products

If you have any doubt about whether a material contains asbestos or not, it's important to have it tested before carrying out any work that may disturb it.

Property

If you're a landlord or property manager, you have a legal responsibility to manage the risk of asbestos in any property you own or manage. This includes having an asbestos survey carried out and putting in place a plan to manage or remove any ACMs that are identified.

The HSE has produced a guide for landlords and property managers on managing asbestos in buildings. This guide outlines the legal requirements and provides practical advice on managing the risk of asbestos.

Carried

Asbestos surveys should only be carried out by qualified professionals who have the necessary training and experience. It's important to choose a reputable asbestos survey company in Hampshire to carry out the survey to ensure that it's carried out to the necessary standards.

Acms

If ACMs are identified during an asbestos survey, a plan will need to be put in place to manage or remove them. This will depend on the condition and location of the ACMs, as well as the type of building work that is being carried out.

Asbestos

It's important to remember that asbestos is not always a problem. If ACMs are in good condition and not in a position to be disturbed, they may be safely managed in place. However, if the ACMs are in poor condition or are likely to be disturbed by building work, they will need to be removed.

Survey

In summary, if you're planning on carrying out any building work on your property in Hampshire, it's important to have an asbestos survey carried out first. This will identify any ACMs that may be present and allow you to put in place a plan to manage or remove them.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Our fully qualified and experienced surveyors use the latest equipment and techniques to carry out asbestos surveys to the highest standards.

We provide a range of asbestos services to domestic and commercial customers throughout Hampshire and the South East of England. We understand the importance of providing a high-quality service, which is why we offer a fast and reliable service at an affordable price.

If you require an asbestos survey for your property in Hampshire, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information.