Who Is Responsible For An Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Introduction

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used for many years in the construction industry due to its insulating and fire-retardant properties. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, there are now strict regulations in place to ensure that asbestos is safely managed and removed from buildings.

In this article, we'll explore who is responsible for carrying out an asbestos survey in Hampshire, what an asbestos survey involves, and how you can ensure your premises are safe from asbestos.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, offering affordable and high-quality asbestos surveys to domestic and non-domestic premises across Hampshire and South East England. Our team of experienced surveyors are fully qualified and trained to identify and assess the presence of asbestos in buildings.

We understand that managing asbestos can be a daunting and stressful task. That's why we're here to help. Our aim is to provide a clear and concise report detailing the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found in your building, along with recommendations for safe and effective management or removal.

Asbestos - What is it and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s until the 1980s, due to its insulating and fire-retardant properties. It has since been discovered that inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos is dangerous when it is disturbed or damaged, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can then be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. This is why it is so important to manage asbestos safely, and to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and handled correctly.

Asbestos Survey - What is it and why is it required?

An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be present. The survey is carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor, who will visually inspect the building and take samples of any suspected ACMs.

There are two main types of asbestos survey:

1. Management survey - This type of survey is required for all non-domestic buildings built before 2000. The purpose of a management survey is to identify the location, type, condition, and extent of any ACMs that may be present in the building, in order to manage them safely.

2. Refurbishment and demolition survey - This type of survey is required for all non-domestic buildings built before 2000, prior to any refurbishment or demolition work taking place. The purpose of a refurbishment and demolition survey is to identify all ACMs in the parts of the building where the work is due to take place, in order to manage them safely and ensure they are not disturbed during the works.

For domestic premises, an asbestos survey is not usually required unless the property is a listed building, or if there is a suspected ACM present.

Duty Holder - Who is responsible for managing asbestos?

The duty holder is the person or organization responsible for managing asbestos within a building. This can be the owner, occupier, or person responsible for maintenance or repair of the building. The duty holder has a legal obligation to manage any asbestos-containing materials present in the building, in order to protect the health and safety of anyone within the building or who may come into contact with it.

Regulations - What are the legal requirements for managing asbestos?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out the legal requirements for managing asbestos in buildings. These regulations require duty holders to:

• Identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present in the building
• Assess the risk posed by the ACMs
• Prepare a plan for managing the ACMs
• Implement and monitor the plan
• Provide information on the location and condition of the ACMs to anyone who may come into contact with them
• Ensure that any work involving ACMs is carried out safely by competent persons

HSE Website - Where can I find information on managing asbestos?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides a wealth of information on managing asbestos in buildings, including guidelines on asbestos surveys and the legal requirements for managing ACMs. The website also provides advice on how to handle and dispose of asbestos safely, and how to protect yourself and others from the risks associated with asbestos.

Domestic Premises - Do I need an asbestos survey for my home?

For domestic premises, an asbestos survey is usually not required unless the property is a listed building, or if there is a suspected ACM present. However, if you are carrying out refurbishment or renovation work on your home, it is always advisable to have a survey carried out to ensure that any ACMs are identified and managed safely.

Non-Domestic Premises - Do I need an asbestos survey for my business?

For non-domestic premises, an asbestos survey is required if the building was built before 2000. Depending on the type of work being carried out, either a management survey or a refurbishment and demolition survey may be required. It is the responsibility of the duty holder to ensure that the appropriate survey is carried out and that any ACMs are managed safely.

Health and Safety - Why is managing asbestos important?

Managing asbestos is important to ensure the health and safety of anyone who may come into contact with a building that contains asbestos. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. By managing asbestos safely and effectively, we can reduce the risk of exposure to these harmful fibers, and ensure that buildings are safe for everyone to use.

Managing Asbestos - How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we understand the importance of managing asbestos safely and effectively. Our experienced surveyors are fully qualified and trained to identify and assess the presence of asbestos in buildings, and to provide clear and concise reports detailing the location and condition of any ACMs found, along with recommendations for safe and effective management or removal.

We offer a range of services to help you manage asbestos, including:

• Asbestos surveys - management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys
• Asbestos management plans
• Asbestos removal and disposal
• Asbestos awareness training

Our aim is to provide a comprehensive service that meets all of your asbestos management needs, and to give you peace of mind that your building is safe from the risks associated with asbestos.

Hampshire - Where do we operate?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we operate throughout Hampshire and South East England. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner, we can provide you with the asbestos survey and management services you need to ensure your premises are safe from the risks associated with asbestos.

Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to find out how we can help you manage asbestos in your building. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information on our services.