Who Should Pay for Asbestos Survey in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in construction until the 1990s due to its fire-retardant and insulating properties. Unfortunately, it was later found that breathing in asbestos fibers can cause serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, which can be fatal. This has led to strict regulations surrounding asbestos management and removal in the UK, including the requirement for asbestos surveys in certain circumstances. In this article, we will discuss who should pay for asbestos survey in Hampshire, what an asbestos survey entails, and why it is important.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire: Your Expert Asbestos Survey Company in Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a specialist asbestos removal company operating in Hampshire and the South East of England. We are fully licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and have extensive experience in all aspects of asbestos management, including asbestos surveys. We provide affordable and efficient asbestos removal services to domestic and commercial clients, ensuring that all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are safely removed and disposed of in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Asbestos: A Hazardous Material

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction industry due to its beneficial properties. However, it is now widely recognized as a serious health hazard. Asbestos fibers are small and can easily be inhaled when released into the air. This can cause serious lung diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, which can be fatal. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many older buildings still contain ACMs.

Why do you need an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to determine if there are any ACMs present. The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify any ACMs, assess their condition, and make recommendations for their safe management or removal. The three main types of asbestos survey are:

• Asbestos management survey - this is a standard survey that is required for all non-domestic properties built before 2000.
• Refurbishment survey - this survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place.
• Demolition survey - this survey is required before any demolition work takes place.

If you are buying or managing a property that was built before 2000, you need to find out if there are any ACMs present. Once ACMs are identified, a management plan must be put in place to ensure their safe management or removal. This is essential to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and to protect the health of people who live or work in the building.

Who should pay for an asbestos survey?

The responsibility for paying for an asbestos survey depends on the circumstances. If you are a commercial property owner or employer, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos in your premises, which includes conducting an asbestos management survey. As such, the financial responsibility for an asbestos survey falls on the building owner or employer. This is to ensure that they fulfil their duty of care to their employees, tenants, and visitors by identifying and managing asbestos in the building.

If you are a homeowner, the situation is slightly different. While there is no legal obligation to have an asbestos survey, it is highly recommended that you do so, especially if the property was built before 2000. If you are selling a property, you may be required to provide an asbestos survey to potential buyers. In this case, the financial responsibility for an asbestos survey falls on the seller.

Overall, the cost of an asbestos survey is relatively small compared to the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure. The cost of an asbestos survey depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the building, the number of samples taken, and the type of survey required. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer affordable asbestos survey services to help ensure the safety of your building and its occupants.

Identifying and Managing ACMs

If an asbestos survey identifies ACMs in your building, it is important to have a management plan in place to ensure their safe management or removal. Asbestos-containing materials are only dangerous when they are disturbed, so it is important to ensure that they are not damaged, degraded or exposed to the air. This means that they should be clearly labeled and managed appropriately, with regular inspections and monitoring to check for any changes in their condition.

If ACMs need to be removed, it should be done so by a licensed asbestos removal contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We have the expertise and experience to safely remove and dispose of ACMs in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an asbestos survey is an essential step in identifying and managing ACMs in your building. The financial responsibility for an asbestos survey depends on the circumstances, but the safety and health benefits are clear. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer affordable asbestos survey services to help ensure the safety of your building and its occupants. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or via email at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey requirements or to arrange a survey.