When Did Domestic Asbestos Surveys Commence in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in building construction until it was banned in the UK in 1999. The material was used in different forms, including roofing sheets, insulation boards, and in electrical insulation. It is estimated that over 50% of the buildings built before the year 2000 contain asbestos-containing materials.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause severe health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer that directly affects the lining of the lungs. Therefore, it's essential to identify any asbestos material within construction buildings to prevent any danger of exposure to asbestos fibers.

In this article, we will discuss the history of asbestos in Hampshire, when domestic asbestos surveys commenced, and the need for asbestos surveys today.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company based in Hampshire. Over the years, we have been serving clients and providing reliable and efficient asbestos survey and removal services. We have a team of experienced and qualified asbestos surveyors who work tirelessly to ensure that you get the best service. Our prices are fair, and we provide competitive packages to suit your budget.

If you're looking for asbestos survey services in Hampshire, call us today at 01962 458066 to arrange an appointment. You can also reach us through our email, [email protected].

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used for insulation, waterproofing and fireproofing of building materials. It's a naturally occurring mineral that was found in abundance in many countries, including the UK. The mineral has six distinct types, but only three were commonly used in construction. The three types of asbestos are:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)

These three types of asbestos are differentiated by their color, texture, and durability. Chrysotile is the most commonly used type and is found in roofing materials and insulation. Crocidolite is the most dangerous and was the least used, primarily because it is fragile and tends to break easily, releasing fibers into the air.

Asbestos in Building Materials

Asbestos was added to various kinds of building materials to make them stronger, less flammable, and more resistant to heat and chemicals. Some of the materials that commonly contained asbestos include:

• Insulation
• Adhesives and sealants
• Fireproofing
• Ceiling tiles
• Insulating boards
• Textured coatings
• Pipes and ducts
• Vinyl tiles and sheets

The materials listed above were widely used in buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s. However, asbestos wasn't completely banned from use in the UK until 1999.

Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos is dangerous when the fibers become airborne and are inhaled. The fibers are small enough to pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream, where they can cause severe health problems. Exposure to asbestos can lead to:

• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma

These diseases can take years or even decades to appear, and some people may not show any symptoms until long after they have been exposed.

Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is an essential tool in identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials. The purpose of a survey is to gather information about the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials in a building. This information is then used to develop a management plan that addresses the risks associated with the asbestos-containing materials.

The duty to control asbestos is laid out in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which places a duty on employers, building owners, and managers of non-domestic properties to manage asbestos in their buildings. However, the regulations also apply to residential properties where there is work that is being carried out.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

There are two types of asbestos surveys that can be carried out, Refurbishment and Demolition Survey or R&D Survey, and a Management Survey. An R&D Survey is required when a building is undergoing significant refurbishment work, demolition or when an area is undergoing change, which will affect the fabric of the building. Removing the asbestos-containing materials will be required before any works take place.

Management Survey

A management survey is an essential tool for managing asbestos in buildings where the asbestos-containing materials are less likely to be disturbed. The management survey involves a visual inspection of the building followed by the sampling of materials that are suspected to contain asbestos. The survey is designed to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building, which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy. When carried out thoroughly, a management survey can protect workers and visitors in the building from exposure to hazardous fibers.

Asbestos Survey Regulations

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the legal requirements for managing asbestos in buildings. The regulations state that if you own or manage a building, you must assess whether asbestos is present and if so, create a written plan for managing its presence. The regulations apply to both domestic and non-domestic premises.

The duty to manage asbestos is part of the wider regulatory framework designed to protect workers and others from harm. The framework includes the Managing Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require employers to assess the risk of harm to their employees and take steps to avoid that risk.

Survey Management and Asbestos

Managing asbestos surveys is a crucial aspect of the safety of the building, and as such, it must be carried out by a reputable, experienced, and qualified company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We have extensive experience in managing asbestos in buildings and offer an excellent management service designed to ensure that you comply with all of the legal requirements for managing asbestos.

To ensure the safety of your building, our management survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials in your building, assess their condition, and determine whether any immediate action is required. A full report and plan will be provided, which will include an asbestos register and emergency procedures in the case of accidental exposure. Our management services are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your building remains safe and compliant with the latest regulations.

Asbestos Surveys in Hampshire

Hampshire is a county located in South East England, with many homes and commercial buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s, making them likely to contain asbestos materials. As such, it's essential to carry out an asbestos survey in any building before carrying out any work that could potentially damage the building materials containing asbestos.

Domestic asbestos surveys commenced in Hampshire due to the increasing awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure. It's now illegal for anyone to import, supply, or use asbestos and asbestos-containing products. Undertaking an asbestos survey in your home is an essential step towards identifying any asbestos-containing materials and ensuring that your home is safe for you and your family.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in construction until 1999 when it was banned in the UK. Despite the ban, it's estimated that over 50% of the buildings constructed before 2000 still contain asbestos-containing materials. Identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials is crucial for the safety of building occupants.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company. We offer management and R&D surveys tailored to the needs of our clients. We have a team of experienced and certified professionals dedicated to delivering the best service to our clients. We comply with all the regulations associated with asbestos surveys to keep your building safe and secure.

If you need an asbestos survey in Hampshire, contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our website is affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk. Our services are affordable, reliable, and tailor-made to meet your needs.