When Do You Need An Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring until the late 20th century. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Therefore, it is important to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) properly to protect people's health and safety.

If you own or manage a building in Hampshire, you may wonder when you need an asbestos survey. This guide will help you understand the asbestos regulations, the types of surveys, and when you need them.

Asbestos Regulations in Hampshire

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is the primary legislation that regulates the management of asbestos in the UK. The regulations apply to all non-domestic premises, such as workplaces, shops, schools, and hospitals, and to the common areas of domestic premises, such as staircases and lift shafts in shared flats.

The regulations require dutyholders, which can be building owners, managers, or tenants who have control over the maintenance or repair of a building, to manage ACMs in their buildings. Managing asbestos means identifying ACMs, assessing their condition, and taking appropriate actions to prevent or reduce exposure to asbestos.

One of the key requirements of the regulations is to conduct an asbestos survey to identify ACMs in a building. The dutyholder must ensure that a suitable and sufficient survey is conducted by a competent person before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out in the building. The survey report should indicate the location, type, and condition of ACMs and provide a risk assessment and a management plan to control the risks.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management surveys are the most common type of survey, and they are conducted to identify ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance of a building. The purpose of a management survey is to manage asbestos in situ by assessing its condition and recommending appropriate actions to control the risks.

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more extensive than management surveys and are carried out prior to major refurbishment or demolition works. The purpose of a refurbishment/demolition survey is to locate all ACMs in the areas where the works will take place and to ensure that they are removed or sealed before the works start.

When Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

You need an asbestos survey if you own or manage a building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000. This is because ACMs were commonly used in building materials before that date. The presence of asbestos in a building does not necessarily mean that it poses an immediate risk to health, but it requires proper management to prevent exposure.

You may also need an asbestos survey if you plan to carry out refurbishment or demolition works in a building, regardless of its age. The survey will identify the ACMs that need to be removed or sealed before the works start.

If you have no plans to carry out any works in a building, but you suspect that it contains ACMs, you may still want to conduct a management survey to identify the location and condition of the asbestos. This will allow you to manage it properly and avoid accidental disturbance.

What Does an Asbestos Survey in Hampshire Cover?

An asbestos survey in Hampshire will cover all areas of the building accessible to the surveyor, including roofs, ceilings, floors, walls, boilers, pipes, ducts, and insulation. The surveyor will take samples of suspected ACMs and send them to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will confirm whether the material contains asbestos, and if so, what type of asbestos it is.

The survey report will provide a detailed description of the location, type, and condition of ACMs and their likelihood of being disturbed. It will also provide a risk assessment and a management plan to control the risks. The management plan may include actions such as labeling the ACMs, monitoring their condition, sealing or encapsulating them, or removing them.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a reliable and experienced asbestos survey company in Hampshire. We have been providing asbestos services to commercial and domestic clients in Hampshire and the South East of England for many years.

Our asbestos surveyors are fully trained and qualified to conduct all types of surveys and to provide comprehensive reports in accordance with the regulations and guidance. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results.

We understand the importance of health and safety in managing asbestos, and we take every precaution to protect our clients and our staff from exposure to asbestos. We provide a fast, efficient, and affordable service, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Contact Us Today

If you need an asbestos survey in Hampshire, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today. Our phone number is 01962 458066, and our email is [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information about our services. We look forward to helping you manage your asbestos risks and protect your health and safety.