What Is A Type 1 Asbestos Survey In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction industry in the past. Its use was banned in 1999 in the UK after significant research revealed its harmful effects on human health. Asbestos exposure can cause severe diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is essential to identify asbestos-containing materials in buildings and remove or manage them carefully. This article will explain what is a type 1 asbestos survey in Hampshire and why it is important for property owners and managers.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a professional asbestos removal and survey company located in Hampshire, South East England. We specialize in asbestos removal and surveys for domestic and commercial properties. Our team has extensive experience in managing asbestos-containing materials and ensuring the safety of our clients and the environment. As a trusted asbestos survey company in Hampshire, we aim to provide affordable and reliable services to our clients.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry because of its excellent insulation properties, strength, and resistance to fire and chemicals. There were three main types of asbestos used in the UK:

1. Chrysotile (white) asbestos
2. Amosite (brown) asbestos
3. Crocidolite (blue) asbestos

All types of asbestos are hazardous if inhaled or ingested, but blue and brown asbestos are considered more dangerous than white asbestos.

Survey

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be harmful to human health. The survey is conducted by trained and licensed asbestos surveyors who use specialized equipment and techniques to detect ACMs. The surveyors collect samples of suspected ACMs, which are analyzed in a laboratory to determine their type and content. The survey report provides information on the location, quantity, and condition of identified ACMs, the risk they pose to human health, and recommendations for their management or removal.

Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is required under UK law for any building that was constructed before 2000. The purpose of the survey is to locate and identify any ACMs within the building, including those that may be hidden or hard to reach. A thorough asbestos survey will enable property owners and managers to make informed decisions about the safety of the building and its occupants. There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

1. Type 1 asbestos survey
2. Type 2 asbestos survey

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is required when the building, or part of it, is to be upgraded, refurbished, or demolished. This survey aims to identify all ACMs in the building or the part of it that will be affected by the refurbishment or demolition works. This survey is intrusive, and it may involve destructive inspection methods to access hard-to-reach areas.

Management Survey

A Management Survey is a less intrusive survey that aims to identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs that may be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or other work activities. The surveyor will only inspect those areas that are reasonably accessible and visible. The survey report will include recommendations on how to manage the identified ACMs, such as labeling, encapsulating, or removing them.

Type 1 Asbestos Survey

A Type 1 Asbestos Survey is the most basic survey and is also known as a visual inspection asbestos survey. The surveyor will only inspect those areas of the building that are reasonably visible and accessible and will not take any samples of suspected ACMs. The surveyor will record any suspected ACMs and provide recommendations on how to manage or remove them. This survey is suitable for properties that are going through minor refurbishment works or have been recently inspected for asbestos.

Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys should only be conducted by trained, licensed, and experienced asbestos surveyors. The surveyors must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and follow the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on asbestos surveying. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire employs licensed asbestos surveyors who have extensive experience in conducting different types of surveys in various building types.

Type 1 Asbestos Survey in Hampshire

As a property owner or manager in Hampshire, you may be wondering if you need a type 1 asbestos survey. The answer is, it depends on the age and condition of your property, the type and amount of work you plan to undertake, and whether there is any record or suspicion of asbestos-containing materials in your building. A type 1 asbestos survey is the most basic survey and is suitable for properties that are going through minor refurbishment works or have been recently inspected for asbestos.

Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are materials that contain any amount of asbestos. The most common ACMs found in buildings are:

1. Asbestos cement (AC) - used in roofing, cladding, and pipes
2. Asbestos insulating board (AIB) - used in wall and ceiling panels, fire doors, and boiler casings
3. Sprayed coatings - used for fireproofing and insulation
4. Textured coatings - used as decorative finishes on walls and ceilings

Other materials such as floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, and duct insulation may also contain asbestos.

Undertaking A Type 1 Asbestos Survey

If you suspect or know that your property contains ACMs, you should contact a licensed asbestos survey company in Hampshire, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. A type 1 asbestos survey is a visual inspection and will not involve taking any samples of suspected ACMs. The surveyor will inspect all accessible and visible areas of the building, including the roof space, voids, and service risers. The survey report will provide information on any suspected ACMs and recommendations on how to manage or remove them.

Containing Asbestos Materials

If your property contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), it is essential to manage them carefully to avoid disturbing them and releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can remain suspended in the air for hours or even days. When inhaled, they can cause severe respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify, label, and manage any ACMs in the building, and ensure that any work activities that may disturb ACMs are carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors.

Asbestos Management

Asbestos management is a legal requirement for any property that contains ACMs. The property owner or manager must ensure that the ACMs are identified, labeled, and managed in a safe and appropriate manner. This includes developing an asbestos management plan, training staff who may come into contact with ACMs, and providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) when necessary. The asbestos management plan will include a register of all ACMs, their location, condition, and the proposed management strategy.

Regulations

Controlling the risks from asbestos is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulations require duty holders, including property owners and managers, to manage the risk of asbestos exposure in non-domestic premises. This includes identifying and assessing the risks from any ACMs, preparing a written plan to manage the risks, and providing information to contractors and workers who may come into contact with asbestos.

Conclusion

A type 1 asbestos survey is a visual inspection survey that aims to identify any suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a property. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, as a professional asbestos survey company in Hampshire, can undertake a type 1 survey to inform you about any suspected ACMs and provide recommendations on how to manage or remove them. We aim to provide affordable and reliable asbestos survey services to our clients to ensure their property and the occupants are safe from asbestos exposure. For more information or to book a survey, please contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected].