What's Involved in an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in construction materials in the past because of its durability and heat-resistance. However, it has been found to cause serious health issues like mesothelioma and asbestosis, which is why it's been banned in many countries including the UK. Buildings built before 2000 are likely to contain asbestos in some form, making it essential to carry out an asbestos survey to identify any potential risks.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an asbestos survey company based in Hampshire, South East England. Our goal is to help keep people and premises safe from the dangers of asbestos by offering affordable yet comprehensive asbestos surveys in Hampshire.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building or structure. The surveyor will take samples of materials suspected to contain asbestos and send them to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis. The surveyor will then produce a report with the results of the analysis and recommendations for managing the asbestos identified.

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

Management Surveys

Management surveys are carried out to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building or structure. The surveyor will inspect all accessible areas of the building and take samples of materials suspected to contain asbestos. The samples will be analysed in a UKAS accredited laboratory, and the surveyor will produce a report with the results and recommendations for managing any asbestos identified.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are carried out before any refurbishment, demolition or maintenance work is carried out. These surveys are more intrusive than management surveys, and the surveyor will need to take samples from all areas of the building, including those that are not readily accessible. These samples are analysed in a UKAS accredited laboratory and the surveyor will produce a report with the results and recommendations for managing any asbestos identified before any work can proceed.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Necessary?

It's a legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey if you own or manage a building or structure, and there is a chance that asbestos-containing materials may be present. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, if you own, manage or are responsible for the maintenance of a commercial property, then it is your responsibility to manage the risks associated with asbestos.

Carrying out an asbestos survey is the first step in managing the risks of asbestos in a building or structure. The survey will identify the presence, location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and provide the information needed to manage them safely.

What's Involved in an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey involves several steps, including:

Step 1: Plan and Preparation

Before an asbestos survey can take place, the surveyor will need to plan and prepare for the survey. This includes identifying the purpose and scope of the survey, identifying any potential risks associated with the work, and preparing a detailed survey plan.

Step 2: Survey Inspection

The surveyor will conduct an inspection of the building or structure to identify any potential ACMs. They will need to get access to all areas of the building and take samples of any materials that are suspected to contain asbestos.

Step 3: Sample Analysis

The samples taken during the inspection will be analysed in a UKAS accredited laboratory to determine if there is any asbestos present in the samples. This can take several days, depending on the number of samples taken.

Step 4: Report Preparation

Once analysis of the samples is complete, the surveyor will prepare a detailed report outlining the results of the inspection and sample analysis. The report will provide information on the location, condition and quantification of any ACMs identified, as well as recommendations on how to manage the asbestos safely.

Asbestos Management and Maintenance Surveys in Hampshire

Once an asbestos survey has been completed, it's essential to take the necessary steps to manage the risks associated with any asbestos identified. This may include carrying out repairs or removal of the asbestos-containing materials.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer asbestos management and maintenance surveys to help our clients manage the risks of asbestos in their buildings or structures. Our surveyors will work with you to develop a comprehensive management plan that includes risk assessments, regular maintenance, staff training and the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health issues, and it's essential to carry out an asbestos survey to identify any potential risks of exposure. As an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is committed to helping our clients manage the risks of asbestos and keep people and premises safe from harm. If you need an asbestos survey or management survey in Hampshire, don't hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].