When Is A Refurbishment And Demolition Asbestos Survey Required In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction due to its strength, durability, and heat-resistant properties. Unfortunately, it was discovered that asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos is still present in many buildings built before 2000, and it is mandatory to identify and manage any asbestos containing materials (ACMs) to prevent exposure. This is where asbestos surveys come into play. In this article, we will discuss when a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is required in Hampshire.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction until the 1980s. It was used in buildings for its strength, durability, and heat-resistant properties, and it was commonly found in insulation, roofing materials, and flooring. There are several types of asbestos, including chrysotile, crocidolite, and amosite, and all of them are carcinogenic.

Asbestos fibers are very small and can easily be inhaled, causing serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It can take decades for these diseases to develop, and there is no cure once they do.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any ACMs that may be present. It is mandatory to carry out an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. This is to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers during the work.

There are two types of asbestos survey: Management Survey and Refurbishment/Demolition Survey.

When is a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey Required?

A Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. It is a much more invasive survey than a Management Survey and involves destructive inspection to access all areas of a building. A Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey is only required when the building or part of the building is going to be demolished or refurbished, and it is likely that ACMs will be disturbed.

The survey will identify any ACMs that may be present and will provide recommendations for their safe removal before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. The survey should be carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor.

What is Refurbishment Work?

Refurbishment work is any work that changes the fabric of a building, such as replacing windows, installing central heating or rewiring. This type of work can cause the disturbance of ACMs, which is why a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey is required.

What is Demolition Work?

Demolition work is the complete or partial dismantling of a building or structure. This type of work can cause the release of large amounts of asbestos fibers, which is why a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey is required.

What Does a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey Involve?

A Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey is a much more invasive survey than a Management Survey, as it involves destructive inspection to access all areas of a building. The survey will involve taking samples of suspected ACMs and analyzing them in a laboratory to determine their type and condition.

The survey will identify any ACMs that may be present and will provide recommendations for their safe removal before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. The recommendations will include a detailed plan of the asbestos removal work that needs to be carried out, as well as any associated costs.

Do All Refurbishment and Demolition Projects Require an Asbestos Survey?

Yes, all refurbishment and demolition projects require an asbestos survey. It is a legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. This is to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers during the work.

What Happens if ACMs are Found During a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey?

If ACMs are found during a Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey, they will need to be safely removed before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. The removal process will be detailed in the survey report, and it will be the responsibility of the building owner to ensure that the removal work is carried out safely and in accordance with current regulations.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for Your Asbestos Survey Needs in Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a professional asbestos survey company in Hampshire, South East England. We specialize in providing affordable and reliable asbestos survey services to ensure that you comply with current regulations and protect the health of your building occupants.

We offer both Management Surveys and Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Surveys, carried out by qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors. We can provide detailed recommendations for safe asbestos removal and manage the asbestos removal process if required.

If you need an asbestos survey for your refurbishment or demolition project, contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We will be more than happy to discuss your needs and provide you with a competitive quote for your asbestos survey. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information.