Who Is Responsible For Asbestos Testing In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral known for causing several health-related issues. It was widely used in the construction industry for decades, and it is estimated that many buildings in Hampshire, South East England, England, still contain asbestos. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK. The substance was banned in 1999, and it is now illegal to use or import it. However, it remains to be found in many old buildings, and that raises a very important question: who is responsible for asbestos testing in Hampshire?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a team of professionals committed to offering affordable asbestos removal services in Hampshire. Our vast experience in the asbestos testing, surveying, and removal industry has allowed us to understand the various responsibilities that different parties have towards asbestos in buildings. In this article, we will delve deep into the topic and help you understand who is responsible for asbestos testing in Hampshire.

What is asbestos?

Before we dive into the core topic of this article, let us shed some light on what asbestos is. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its heat-resistant properties. It was widely used for insulation and fireproofing purposes in the construction industry for decades. However, it was later discovered that asbestos is a potent carcinogen and can cause several health-related issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The most common types of asbestos are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, and tremolite.

Although it is illegal to use or import asbestos in the UK, it remains to be a significant public health issue. Many buildings, including schools, hospitals, and residential homes, were built before the asbestos ban, and many contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Duty holders and building owners

If you are a building owner or a duty holder, you have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in your premises. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a duty holder is anyone who has a responsibility for maintaining and repairing non-domestic premises. This includes employers, building owners, facilities managers, and property managers.

Duty holders have the legal obligation to manage the asbestos in their premises and ensure that it does not pose a risk to the health of employees, occupants, and visitors. This includes conducting an asbestos survey to identify the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials in the building. If ACMs are found, the duty holder must create a plan to manage them properly, including regular inspections and monitoring.

Domestic property owners

The legal requirement for domestic property owners is different from that of non-domestic property owners. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, domestic property owners are not obligated to manage asbestos in their premises. However, they must take the necessary measures to ensure that they and their family are not at risk of exposure to asbestos.

If you are a domestic property owner planning to carry out renovation or demolition work in your premises, you will need to hire a qualified asbestos surveyor to conduct an asbestos survey. The surveyor will identify the presence and location of ACMs, which will help you make an informed decision on whether to remove or manage them. If you decide to remove the ACMs, you will need to hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor to carry out the work.

Asbestos surveyors

Asbestos surveyors are professionals qualified to conduct asbestos surveys in buildings. The aim of the survey is to identify the presence and location of ACMs in a building. The surveyor will take samples of suspected ACMs and send them to a laboratory for analysis.

If you are a duty holder, you must hire a qualified asbestos surveyor to conduct an asbestos survey in your building. The surveyor will provide you with a detailed report outlining the identification, location, and condition of any ACMs found in your building. The report must be kept for future reference and shared with anyone who may carry out work in the building.

Asbestos removal contractors

Asbestos removal is a hazardous operation that should be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Asbestos removal contractors are professionals qualified to remove ACMs safely and dispose of them according to strict regulations.

If you have identified ACMs in your building and have decided to remove them, you must hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor to carry out the work. The contractor will provide you with a Method Statement and Risk Assessment outlining the procedures for removing the ACMs safely. The contractor must also provide you with a consignment note, detailing the disposal route of the asbestos waste.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that can cause severe health-related issues. It is vital to manage asbestos in buildings to ensure the health and safety of occupants, employees, and visitors. If you are a duty holder, you have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in your premises and ensure that it does not pose a risk to anyone's health. If you are a domestic property owner, you must take the necessary measures to ensure that you and your family are not at risk of exposure to asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer affordable asbestos testing, surveying, and removal services in Hampshire. Our team of professionals has vast experience in the asbestos industry and can help you manage asbestos in your premises. If you suspect that your building may contain asbestos, do not hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or send us an email at [email protected]. We are here to help you stay safe and healthy.