When is an Asbestos Survey Required for Construction in Hampshire?

When it comes to construction projects, it's always important to ensure that the environment is safe for everyone involved. One particular hazard that is a major concern in the construction industry is asbestos. This toxic substance is commonly found in many buildings, especially those built before the year 2000, and it can pose a serious threat to the health of the people who come into contact with it.

This is why the UK government has introduced regulations that require an asbestos survey to be carried out before any major construction work can take place on a building. In this article, we will discuss when an asbestos survey is required for construction projects in Hampshire, the importance of conducting such surveys, and how to find a reputable asbestos survey company in the area.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an asbestos survey company in Hampshire that provides expert surveying and removal services for both commercial and domestic properties. We have been established since 2002 and have an experienced team of specialists who understand all aspects of asbestos removal.

If you are looking for a professional, reliable asbestos survey company in Hampshire, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected] to see how we can help you.

What is Asbestos?

Before we discuss when an asbestos survey is required for construction projects in Hampshire, it's important to understand what asbestos is.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and floor tiles because of its strength, durability, and fire-resistant properties. However, when asbestos is disturbed, the fibers become airborne and can be inhaled, causing a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Due to the known health risks associated with asbestos, it is now prohibited in the construction industry in the UK.

What are ACMs?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are materials that contain asbestos. ACMs can be found in many different areas of a building, including roofing, insulation, flooring, and lagging, among others.

It's worth noting that not all ACMs are dangerous, but any material suspected to contain asbestos must be handled with care.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

An asbestos survey is required whenever there is a suspicion that ACMs might be present on a property or when there is a planned refurbishment or demolition of a building.

Under regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders must identify whether asbestos-containing materials are present or are likely to be present. The duty holder may then need to arrange for a management asbestos survey to be undertaken to ascertain the presence, extent, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials.

For refurbishment or demolition works, the duty holder should arrange for a refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey to be undertaken to identify all asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos Survey Types

There are two types of asbestos surveys: Management Asbestos Surveys and Refurbishment or Demolition Asbestos Surveys.

Management Asbestos Surveys

A management asbestos survey is designed to identify, as far as is practical, the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials within a building or a specific area within a building that may be accessed by occupants.

The survey is non-destructive and does not involve any invasive work. The surveyor will inspect all accessible areas of the building, including rooms, corridors, and service ducts. The surveyor will also take samples of any suspected ACMs.

The results of the survey will be used to produce an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan. The register will be updated as necessary if the condition or location of any ACMs changes.

Refurbishment or Demolition Asbestos Surveys

A refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey is required when a building is due to undergo significant refurbishment or demolition works.

The survey is more intrusive than a management survey and will involve destructive work to gain access to all areas of the building.

The surveyor will take samples of all suspected ACMs and will identify the type, location, and condition of all ACMs that are likely to be disturbed by the planned work.

The results of the survey will be used to produce an asbestos register and a refurbishment or demolition asbestos management plan.

When Do We Need an Asbestos Survey for Construction Projects in Hampshire?

As mentioned earlier, an asbestos survey is required whenever there is a suspicion that ACMs might be present on a property or when there is a planned refurbishment or demolition of a building.

In Hampshire, as with the rest of the UK, it is a legal requirement to have a survey carried out before any major construction work can take place on a building that was built before the year 2000.

It's important to note that a refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey is required in cases where demolition or refurbishment is planned, regardless of the age of the building.

Therefore, if you are planning any construction work in Hampshire, you should arrange for an asbestos survey to be carried out before starting any work.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important?

The presence of asbestos in a building can pose a serious health risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. Asbestos fibers can be breathed into the lungs where they can cause damage over time. This damage can eventually lead to serious health problems and even death.

An asbestos survey is important because it helps to identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs in a building. This information can then be used to create a management plan to ensure that the asbestos is safely managed and does not pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with the building.

How To Find a Reputable Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire

If you are looking for an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, it's important to choose a reputable company that has experience in conducting surveys and managing asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we have been established since 2002 and have a team of experienced specialists who are fully licensed and trained to carry out asbestos surveys.

To find a reputable asbestos survey company in Hampshire, it's important to do your research and check that the company has the necessary licenses, qualifications, and experience to carry out a survey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an asbestos survey is an important legal requirement for anyone planning any construction work on a building that was built before the year 2000. Asbestos can pose a serious health risk, and an asbestos survey can help to identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs in a building.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are an asbestos survey company in Hampshire that provides expert surveying and removal services for both commercial and domestic properties. If you are planning any construction work in Hampshire, contact us today on 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected] to see how we can help you.