What Types of Current Asbestos Surveys Are There in Hampshire?

Asbestos - A Hazardous Material

The hazards of asbestos are a well-known fact. For decades, asbestos was considered a miraculous material due to its fire-retardant properties and durability. However, over time, its carcinogenic properties became apparent. The inhalation of asbestos fibres can result in the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other serious respiratory ailments. As a result, the use of asbestos was phased out in the UK in the late 1990s.

Despite the ban on asbestos, a considerable amount of it still exists in UK buildings constructed before the year 2000. If disturbed, asbestos releases toxic fibres into the atmosphere, which can pose significant health risks to building occupants. Therefore, it is essential for anyone who is responsible for a building to know whether or not asbestos is present, and, if so, what conditions it is in.

Asbestos Survey - A Vital Tool for Safety

Asbestos surveys are crucial in identifying the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials within a building. An asbestos survey identifies the type and amount of asbestos present, the extent of the damage, and the risk of exposure. This survey helps building owners, managers and contractors to determine the necessary precautions to take during refurbishment, maintenance, or demolition of buildings.

Asbestos surveys are required by law, and it's a legal obligation for anyone who is responsible for non-domestic premises. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR), an asbestos survey is necessary to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings. Providing information on the location, condition, and type of asbestos in a building helps prevent exposure to the deadly material, ensuring safety for people who work, live or use the building.

Types of Asbestos Surveys in Hampshire

There are two primary types of asbestos surveys - management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. Both survey types vary in their purpose, and it's determined by the building owner, manager or contractor to select the appropriate type of survey. Hampshire, a county in South East England, has a distinct set of laws, and it's essential to consult with a local asbestos survey company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire to comply with the regulations.

1. Management Surveys

A management asbestos survey Hampshire is a standard survey type called the Asbestos Management Survey (AMS). The purpose of the AMS is to locate and identify the presence, location, extent, and condition of asbestos-containing materials within a building.

The AMS aims to examine the condition and accessibility of asbestos in the building and assess any potential risks of exposure. The survey helps building owners meet their legal requirements under CAR by providing an asbestos register and a management plan, detailing how asbestos will be managed to prevent exposure to occupants of the building.

Generally, management surveys are conducted on occupied buildings, and there is minimal disturbance to the building's structure. An AMS is typically updated every 12 months to ensure that the asbestos management plan remains accurate and up to date.

2. Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey Hampshire is a more precise type of asbestos survey, required before any refurbishment or demolition work in a building. The refurbishment/demolition survey is also referred to as the Asbestos Refurbishment Survey (ARS) or the Asbestos Demolition Survey.

The purpose of a refurbishment/demolition survey is to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials in the building that may be further disturbed or damaged during refurbishment or demolition work.

Compared to a management survey, the refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive, and it can cause damage to a building's structure. Therefore, it is essential to carry out this survey when the building is unoccupied, or the work is limited to small areas of the building.

Following the ARS survey, the surveyors provide a comprehensive asbestos report detailing the location, type, and condition of all asbestos-containing materials present in the building. The asbestos report provided can be used to inform a refurbishment or demolition plan, including the management plan and a detailed plan for handling and removing asbestos before any construction work can begin.

Why You Need an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire

There are plenty of reasons why you need an asbestos survey. Identifying the presence and location of asbestos is essential to comply with the UK's asbestos regulations. It is also necessary to protect anyone who could be exposed to asbestos fibres during the use, maintenance or demolition of a building.

Here are some reasons why you should hire professionals such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire to perform an asbestos survey in Hampshire.

1. Legal Compliance

Compliance with asbestos legislation is a legal requirement. Non-compliance may result in prosecution, large fines, or even imprisonment. It's crucial to remain compliant with asbestos regulations by conducting regular asbestos surveys.

2. Ensure Safety

An asbestos survey ensures the safety of your building's occupants, including employees, visitors, and potential buyers. Identifying hazardous asbestos helps building owners or managers to implement an effective management plan to manage asbestos, preventing exposure and safeguarding the people who use the building.

3. Helps with Property Management

Asbestos surveys provide essential information on the asbestos present in a building, which helps to plan and manage building maintenance activities more effectively. Building owners and managers can use the survey results to prioritize the repair or removal of asbestos containing materials, ultimately ensuring building longevity.

The Cost of an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire

The cost of an asbestos survey in Hampshire varies depending on the type, age, size and condition of the building. It's essential to hire reliable opinions such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire to provide an accurate estimate.

It's worth noting that the cost of conducting an asbestos survey is nothing compared to the health and safety risks involved with asbestos exposure. Asbestos survey costs, as well as the cost of the necessary precautions and measures, are part of the cost of building maintenance and are essential to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for building occupants.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are critical to identifying the location, type, and condition of asbestos in a building. Management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys are the two types of surveys that serve different purposes.

Hiring a reputable company that offers asbestos surveys such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is necessary to ensure compliance with UK legislation, prevent exposure to asbestos, and safeguard the people who use the building. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today to schedule an asbestos survey, and help make your Hampshire property a safe place to live, work and visit.

Contact Us

Call us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to schedule your asbestos survey in Hampshire. Visit our website affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information about our services.