When Would Asbestos Survey Be Pulled Up By Solicitor In Hampshire?

If you are a property owner or a landlord in Hampshire, South East England, you need to be aware of the potential risk of asbestos presence in your building. Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, has been used in building materials for over a century due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, the dangers of asbestos exposure have become widely known in recent years, as exposure to its fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

If your building was constructed before the year 2000, there is a high probability that it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) somewhere. This makes it essential that you have an asbestos survey conducted on your property to determine the presence of any ACMs. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a Hampshire-based asbestos survey company that can help you identify and manage any potential asbestos risks.

The Risks of Asbestos in Buildings

Asbestos was a popular building material until the 1980s when its dangers were finally recognised. It was commonly used in a wide range of products, including insulation, roofing, flooring, and wallboarding, among others. The problem with asbestos is that when the material is damaged, it can release tiny fibres that can become lodged in the lungs if inhaled. This can lead to a range of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The presence of asbestos in buildings can pose a significant health risk not only to the people who live or work in the building but also to anyone who enters the building. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, which means that people can inhale them unknowingly.

Why an Asbestos Survey is Important

An asbestos survey is a critical step in identifying and managing the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials in your property. The purpose of the survey is to locate any ACMs and assess their condition. The survey will also determine the likelihood of any fibres being released into the air and make recommendations for their safe management or removal.

If the survey identifies the presence of any ACMs, it is the duty of the property owner or landlord to manage the potential risk. Failure to do so can result in serious health risks and legal consequences.

Common Areas Where Asbestos is Found in Buildings

Asbestos can be found in a range of building materials, including insulation, flooring, roofing, and wallboard. Some common areas where asbestos is found in buildings include:

1. Insulation Asbestos was commonly used in pipe lagging, boiler insulation, and duct insulation.
2. Flooring Asbestos was often used in vinyl sheet flooring, floor tiles, and adhesives.
3. Roofing Asbestos was frequently used in roofing felt and shingles.
4. Walls and ceilings Asbestos was used in wallboard, plaster, and textured paint.
5. Other materials Asbestos was also used in cement and other building materials.

When Would an Asbestos Survey Be Needed?

There are several circumstances when an asbestos survey would be required, including:

1. When purchasing a property If you are buying a property, you will need to have an asbestos survey conducted before completion to identify any potential risks.
2. When managing a property Property owners and landlords have a duty to manage the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials in their buildings. A survey will identify any ACMs and recommend appropriate management strategies.
3. Prior to demolition or refurbishment If you are planning to demolish or refurbish your property, you will need to have an asbestos survey conducted to identify any ACMs that need to be removed before work can commence.

How an Asbestos Survey Can Affect the Value of Your Property

The presence of asbestos in a property can significantly affect its value. Asbestos management is a legal requirement, and failure to manage the potential risk can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. Asbestos surveys offer relief to prospective buyers, sellers and conveyancers by identifying potential asbestos risks within a property.

By having an asbestos survey conducted and taking the recommended remediation measures, property owners can ensure that their property is compliant with legal obligations, safe for people to occupy and work in, and increase its overall property value.

How Asbestos Removal Can Help

If asbestos fibres are detected during an asbestos survey, you may need to have the material removed from your building. This is not a DIY job as asbestos removal is a hazardous and complex process that should only be carried out by trained professionals, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Asbestos removal can be costly; however, the cost of not removing any hazardous material can potentially lead to significant fines, imprisonment or civil litigation. The potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure cannot be underestimated and require effective management to ensure the safety of all occupants.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a significant risk in older buildings and can cause serious health problems if not managed effectively. By conducting an asbestos survey, identification, and management of asbestos materials in your building can reduce or eliminate potential health risks. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a reliable and affordable asbestos survey company in Hampshire that can help you manage the potential risks associated with asbestos in your building. Call us for more information on 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected].