What Is A Full Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in construction because of its sound absorption, strength, and resistance to heat, fire, and electricity. However, in the 20th century, it was discovered that asbestos fibers can cause cancer, lung disease, and other health problems when inhaled or ingested. As a result, many countries have banned the use of asbestos or restricted its use, and require property owners to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their buildings, especially before any refurbishment or demolition work.

If you own a property in Hampshire, or plan to buy, sell, rent, or renovate one, you may need to get a full asbestos survey to comply with the legal and moral duties of a responsible owner or landlord, and to protect yourself, your family, your clients, your workers, or the public from the dangers of asbestos. In this landing page, we will explain what a full asbestos survey is, why it matters, what types of asbestos surveys are available, how to choose a reliable and affordable asbestos survey company in Hampshire, and how Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can help you with your asbestos survey needs.

Who Are We?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire (AARH) is a leading asbestos survey and removal company based in Hampshire, South East England. We are a team of experienced and certified asbestos experts who have been working in the asbestos industry for over 20 years. We understand the risks and regulations of asbestos, and we strive to provide our clients with a friendly, flexible, and professional service that meets their specific needs and budgets. We are fully licensed and insured, and we follow the latest standards and guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR), and the British Standard BS 5839-1:2017.

If you need a full asbestos survey in Hampshire, or any other asbestos-related services, such as asbestos testing, management, removal, encapsulation, or disposal, please contact us at 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected]. We will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about us, our services, our testimonials, and our blog, which contains useful information and advice about asbestos.

What Is A Full Asbestos Survey?

A full asbestos survey, also known as a type 3 asbestos survey, is the most comprehensive and intrusive type of asbestos survey that is required when the building is undergoing significant refurbishment or demolition, or when the ACMs are likely to be disturbed or damaged. A full asbestos survey aims to identify, locate, and assess all the ACMs that are reasonably accessible and visible, including those hidden within the walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, insulation, pipes, ducts, boilers, or fittings. A full asbestos survey also involves sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs, to confirm their type, condition, and amount.

A full asbestos survey should be carried out by a competent and accredited asbestos surveyor, who has the knowledge, skills, and equipment to safely and effectively detect and report any asbestos risks in the building. The surveyor should have a thorough understanding of the different types of asbestos, such as chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, and actinolite, and their various forms and uses, such as cement, insulation, board, pipe lagging, sprayed coating, or textured coating. The surveyor should also be able to interpret and record the survey findings in a clear and accurate report, which includes a risk assessment, recommendations for remedial action, and a management plan.

A full asbestos survey can take several days or even weeks, depending on the size, complexity, and accessibility of the building, and the number of samples that need to be analyzed. It may involve some minor damage or disturbance to the fabric of the building, such as drilling holes or lifting floorboards, but the surveyor will take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the air, such as wearing protective clothing, using appropriate tools and methods, and sealing the work area. The surveyor may also need to liaise with the owner, the occupiers, or the contractors of the building, to obtain access, information, or cooperation.

Why Do You Need A Full Asbestos Survey?

There are several reasons why you may need a full asbestos survey in Hampshire.

Legal Duty

As a property owner, you have a legal duty under the CAR to manage any asbestos in your building, and to protect yourself and others from any risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. This duty applies to all types of buildings, including domestic, commercial, industrial, and public. The duty includes the obligation to identify, assess, and manage any ACMs in the building, and to keep a written record of this information. Failure to comply with the CAR can result in fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

Health and Safety

Asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening, which may take several years or decades to develop after exposure. Even low levels of exposure can be harmful, and there is no safe threshold for asbestos fibers. The risk of exposure to asbestos fibers increases when the ACMs are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated, as this can release the fibers into the air. A full asbestos survey can help you identify any ACMs that may pose a risk of exposure, and can provide you with guidance on how to manage or remove them safely and legally.

Property Transactions

If you plan to sell, buy, or rent a property in Hampshire, you may need to provide an asbestos survey report to the other party or their solicitor, as part of the conveyancing process. The report should state whether or not asbestos is present in the building, and if so, where and in what condition. The report may also include recommendations for corrective action, such as removal or encapsulation of the ACMs, or ongoing monitoring and management. A full asbestos survey report can help you avoid any delays, disputes, or legal issues that may arise from a failure to disclose or address an asbestos risk.

Refurbishment or Demolition

If you plan to refurbish or demolish a building in Hampshire, you should ensure that a full asbestos survey is carried out beforehand, as part of the planning and risk assessment process. This is because refurbishment or demolition work can disturb or damage any ACMs in the building, and release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be harmful to you, your workers, or the public. A full asbestos survey can help you identify any ACMs that need to be removed or managed before the work starts, and can provide you with a safe and legal method statement for the work.

What Types of Asbestos Surveys Are Available?

There are three types of asbestos surveys available, each with a different scope and purpose.

Management Survey

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey that is required for non-domestic buildings that are still in use, and that do not need any refurbishment or demolition work. A management survey aims to locate, assess, and monitor all the ACMs that are likely to be disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated during normal occupancy, maintenance, or other routine activities. A management survey does not involve any sampling or analysis of suspected ACMs, although it may recommend some sampling if the surveyor suspects any unknown or unidentified materials. A management survey report should include a register of the identified ACMs, a risk assessment, and a management plan. A management survey should be reviewed and updated periodically, or if there is any change in the building, such as a new discovery of ACMs or a change of use.

Refurbishment Survey

A refurbishment survey, also known as a type 2 asbestos survey, is required when the building is undergoing refurbishment, renovation, or major alterations. A refurbishment survey aims to locate, assess, and sample all the ACMs that are likely to be disturbed, damaged, or removed during the planned work. A refurbishment survey does not necessarily cover all areas of the building, but only those that are directly affected by the planned work, or those that are reasonably accessible and visible. A refurbishment survey report should include a list of the identified ACMs, their types, quantities, and conditions, and a recommendation for removing or encapsulating them before the work starts. A refurbishment survey should be carried out before any demolition work, and at least two weeks before the refurbishment work, so that the results can be acted upon.

Full Asbestos Survey

A full asbestos survey, also known as a type 3 asbestos survey, is the most comprehensive and intrusive type of asbestos survey that is required when the building is undergoing significant refurbishment or demolition, or when the ACMs are likely to be disturbed or damaged. A full asbestos survey aims to identify, locate, and assess all the ACMs that are reasonably accessible and visible, including those hidden within the walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, insulation, pipes, ducts, boilers, or fittings. A full asbestos survey also involves sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs, to confirm their type, condition, and amount. A full asbestos survey report should include a risk assessment, recommendations for remedial action, and a management plan.

How To Choose A Reliable and Affordable Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire?

Choosing a reliable and affordable asbestos survey company in Hampshire can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the industry or the regulations. Here are some tips on how to choose a trustworthy and cost-effective asbestos survey company:

Experience and Qualifications

Make sure that the asbestos survey company you choose has a track record of experience and qualifications in asbestos surveying and removal, and that their surveyors are trained, certified, and competent to carry out the type of survey you need. Ask for their accreditation certificates, such as the UKAS, the BOHS, or the ARCA, and check if they are up-to-date and valid. Ask for their references or testimonials from previous clients, and read them carefully to see if they have similar requirements, standards, or problems as yours.

Insurance and Licenses

Make sure that the asbestos survey company you choose has adequate insurance and licenses to cover their work, and that they are honest and transparent about their policy and procedures. Ask for their public liability insurance certificate, their waste carrier license, and their contractor health and safety policy, and check if they are appropriate and sufficient for your project. Avoid companies that do not have any insurance or licenses, or that offer any illegal or unsafe shortcuts or practices, as this can expose you and them to legal and health risks.

Price and Value

Make sure that the asbestos survey company you choose offers a fair and reasonable price for their work, and that they provide you with a clear and detailed quote that includes all the costs and charges, such as the sampling, the analysis, the report, the VAT, and any extra services, such as removal or disposal. Ask for at least three quotes from different companies, and compare them based on their quality, scope, and price. Avoid companies that offer any suspiciously low or high prices, or that add any hidden or unexpected charges after the work is done.

Communication and Customer Service

Make sure that the asbestos survey company you choose is responsive, friendly, and professional in their communication and customer service, and that they listen to your concerns, questions, and feedback, and provide you with timely and accurate answers, explanations, and updates. Ask for their availability, their response time, their contact methods, and their support after the work is done. Avoid companies that are hard to reach, slow to respond, or that are rude, dismissive, or defensive, as this can indicate their poor quality and poor reputation.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire Help You?

If you need a full asbestos survey, or any other asbestos-related services, in Hampshire, South East England, you can rely on us, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, to provide you with a fast, friendly, and professional solution. We have the experience, qualifications, insurance, and licenses to carry out any type of asbestos survey, from management to full surveys, and to provide you with a clear and comprehensive report that meets your specific needs and budgets. We use the latest technology and equipment to detect and report any ACMs in your building, and we follow the best practices and guidelines to ensure your safety and compliance.

We also offer a wide range of asbestos-related services, including testing, management, removal, encapsulation, and disposal, as well as advice and training on asbestos awareness and safe work practices. We can help you with any size or type of building, from domestic to commercial, from industrial to public, from heritage to modern, and we can customize our services based on your priorities and preferences. We can work with you, your contractors, or your solicitor, to ensure a smooth and successful asbestos survey process, and to help you achieve your goals and objectives.

If you want to learn more about our full asbestos survey services, or any other asbestos-related services, please contact us at 01962 458066, or via email at [email protected], or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk. We will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote, and to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We are committed to your safety, your satisfaction, and your peace of mind, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Conclusion

A full asbestos survey is a crucial and complex process that requires the expertise and professionalism of a licensed and competent asbestos survey company in Hampshire. A full asbestos survey can help you comply with your legal and moral duties as a property owner or landlord, and protect yourself, your family, your clients, your workers, or the public from the dangers of asbestos. A full asbestos survey involves identifying, locating, and assessing all the ACMs that are reasonably accessible and visible, and involves sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs, to confirm their type, condition, and amount. A full asbestos survey should be carried out by a certified and experienced asbestos surveyor, who follows the latest regulations and guidelines set by the HSE, the CAR, and the BS.

If you need a full asbestos survey in Hampshire, or any other asbestos-related services, please contact us, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, at 01962 458066, or via email at [email protected], or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk. We are a leading and reliable asbestos survey and removal company in Hampshire, South