What to Do After Asbestos Management Survey in Hampshire

If you are a property owner in Hampshire, South East England, you may be required to have an asbestos management survey done on your building. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s, and if your building was built before then, there is a chance that it contains asbestos.

An asbestos management survey is an assessment of the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building. The survey is necessary to identify any potential asbestos hazards and to determine the best course of action to manage or remove them.

If you have recently had an asbestos management survey completed, you may be wondering what to do next. In this guide, we will provide you with some information and guidance to help you take the next steps.

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is a mineral that was used in a wide range of building materials due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air that can be inhaled. These fibers can become lodged in the lungs and cause long-term health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Therefore, it is crucial to manage the potential presence of asbestos to protect the occupants of the building.

What is an Asbestos Management Survey?

An asbestos management survey is a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of a building to identify any ACMs. The survey is typically non-intrusive, meaning that no damage is caused to the building or its structure.

The survey will involve a thorough visual inspection of the building, including all walls, floors, ceilings, and any other potential asbestos-containing materials. During the survey, samples of any suspected ACMs will be taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Once the survey is complete, a report will be produced that details the location, extent, and condition of any ACMs found in the building. The report will also include a prioritized action plan for how to manage or remove the asbestos.

What Should You Do After the Asbestos Management Survey?

After an asbestos management survey has been completed, you should take the following steps:

1. Review the Asbestos Management Survey Report

The first step is to review the asbestos management survey report carefully. It is essential to understand what the report says and what action needs to be taken.

The report should include the following information:

• The location, extent, and condition of any ACMs found in the building
• The risk level associated with each ACM
• Recommendations for how to manage or remove the asbestos
• A prioritized action plan

If you have any questions or concerns about the report, you should contact the company that conducted the survey.

2. Assess the Risk of Each ACM

The asbestos management survey report should include a risk assessment for each ACM found in the building. The risk assessment will determine the likelihood of the asbestos being disturbed and the potential risk to human health.

Based on the risk assessment, you should prioritize which ACMs require the most urgent attention.

3. Develop an Asbestos Management Plan

Once you have assessed the risk of each ACM, you can develop an asbestos management plan.

The plan should include the following:

• How you will manage the asbestos to minimize the risk to human health
• How you will monitor the condition of any ACMs
• How you will communicate the risk of asbestos to anyone who may come into contact with it
• A timetable for any necessary repairs, removals, or replacements of asbestos-containing materials

It is essential to regularly review and update your asbestos management plan as necessary.

4. Take Action

If the asbestos management survey report recommends removing any ACMs, you should take action as soon as possible. You should hire a professional asbestos removal company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, to carry out the work safely and legally.

It is important to follow all the relevant regulations and guidelines when removing asbestos-containing materials. Failure to do so can result in fines and legal action.

5. Monitor and Review

Regular monitoring and review of your asbestos management plan is necessary to ensure that it remains effective. You should review the plan at least annually and after any significant changes to the building.

Conclusion

If you have recently had an asbestos management survey done on your building in Hampshire, it is essential to take the necessary steps to manage or remove any ACMs identified in the survey report.

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems if not managed properly. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive asbestos management plan in place to protect the health of the occupants of the building.

If you need help managing or removing asbestos from your building in Hampshire, please contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire at 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information.