What Happens In An Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in buildings and properties until the 1990s. Exposure to asbestos through inhalation can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory illnesses. Due to the dangers associated with asbestos, it is important to have a professional asbestos survey carried out on any property, particularly those built before 2000.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, operating across the South East of England. Our team of experienced and qualified surveyors can provide comprehensive asbestos surveys for all types of properties, including commercial and residential. In this article, we will look at what happens in an asbestos survey in Hampshire and why it is essential for managing the risks associated with asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was commonly used in building materials due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. The use of asbestos was widespread from the 1950s until the late 1990s, when it was banned in the UK due to its health risks. The dangerous properties of asbestos are due to its microscopic fibres, which when inhaled can cause serious harm to the lungs and respiratory system.

Why Have An Asbestos Survey?

Having an asbestos survey is important for identifying any materials containing asbestos in a property. The survey will identify any potential risks, allowing for informed decisions to be made regarding the management of asbestos. Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement for any non-domestic property built before 2000, and for any property being refurbished or demolished.

Types of Asbestos Survey

There are two types of asbestos survey: Management and Refurbishment/Demolition surveys.

Management Survey

A Management Survey is the standard asbestos survey for identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. It is a non-destructive survey and suitable for all properties. The survey involves sampling any suspected materials, examining their condition and recording their location. The survey will then produce a report detailing the findings and recommended management actions, with a register of any ACMs found.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is a more intrusive survey carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work. The survey is fully intrusive and may involve destructive techniques to access all areas of the property where work will take place. The survey will identify all ACMs in the areas where refurbishment or demolition work is planned. The survey will then produce a report detailing the findings and recommended actions, with a register of any ACMs found.

What Happens in an Asbestos Management Survey?

An asbestos management survey will involve the surveyor inspecting all accessible areas of the building, including loft spaces, cellars, and plant rooms. The surveyor will conduct a visual inspection of materials, looking for materials that may contain asbestos. Materials that contain asbestos are not always easy to identify, and the surveyor may need to take samples to confirm or rule out the presence of asbestos. All samples taken will be labelled and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.

The surveyor will also take note of the condition of any ACMs present, classifying them in terms of their extent and condition. The surveyor will then create a report of their findings, detailing a management plan for managing or removing any ACMs. The report will also note any materials that are assumed to contain asbestos or materials that could potentially contain asbestos, along with recommendations for further action.

What Happens in a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey?

A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is a more intrusive survey, involving destructive methods to gain access to all areas where work is planned. Once the surveyor has access to all areas, they will examine all materials that are likely to be disturbed during the planned work. As with a management survey, the surveyor will take samples of any materials suspected of containing asbestos. Samples will be labelled, analysed and recorded in the report.

The report will then create a detailed plan for managing or removing any ACMs found, including removal techniques, notification requirements, and timescales. The report will also provide information on any precautions necessary to protect workers or occupants of the property during the removal process.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important in Hampshire?

Asbestos surveys in Hampshire are important for anyone who owns or manages a property, whether residential or commercial. Hampshire has a significant number of older properties that may contain materials containing asbestos. Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying and managing the risks associated with asbestos, to protect workers and occupants of the property.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to providing affordable and reliable asbestos surveying services in Hampshire and the South East of England. Our team of qualified and experienced surveyors can provide comprehensive asbestos surveys for all types of properties, including commercial and residential. If you need an asbestos survey in Hampshire, please contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].