Who should pay for asbestos test in Hampshire

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was widely used in construction materials for several decades until its ban in 1999. It poses a severe health risk if the material is disturbed and inhaled, leading to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Home and property owners who suspect they might have asbestos-containing materials in their building need to have it properly tested and, if necessary, safely removed to avoid any potential health risk to occupants.

As a reputable asbestos testing company in Hampshire, we often get asked who should pay for asbestos testing in a house or property. In this article, we'll dive into the various scenarios where asbestos testing is required and who should bear the cost.

What is asbestos?

Before we get into the details of who should pay for asbestos testing, it's essential to understand what asbestos is and why it's dangerous. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and others throughout the 20th century due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. During its heyday, it was found in nearly every building constructed during that time.

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause health problems that could lead to fatal illness. The danger lies in the fact that asbestos fibers are microscopic and can easily spread in the air. They can get trapped in the lungs, leading to severe damage to the respiratory system.

While it's true that asbestos is no longer widely used in construction materials, it's still found in older buildings that were constructed before its ban in 1999. Home and property owners who suspect they might have asbestos-containing materials in their building need to have it properly tested to avoid any potential health risk to occupants.

When do you need an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is required when you're buying, selling or managing a property that was constructed before 1999. It's a legal requirement to have an asbestos survey before any construction work can take place in an older building. The purpose is to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess the risk they pose to occupants of the building.

If you're planning to do any renovation or maintenance that may disturb the flooring or walls (for example drilling holes, cutting, or sanding) in an older building, an asbestos survey is essential. The survey will identify the locations of any ACMs and their condition. The surveyor will then provide a report detailing the type, location, and extent of the asbestos-containing materials, as well as the potential risk they pose to occupants.

Types of Asbestos surveys

Two types of asbestos surveys are commonly carried out:

1. Asbestos Management Survey: This is a non-destructive survey to locate, and where possible, identify asbestos-containing materials in the building. Its primary purpose is to manage asbestos-containing materials through monitoring and inspection.

2. Asbestos Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: This survey is a full, intrusive survey to locate and identify any asbestos-containing materials in the building that are likely to be disturbed during renovation or demolition work.

Both types of surveys are conducted by a qualified asbestos professional, and the cost will depend on the scope of the work and other factors such as the size of the building, its location, and its age.

Who should pay for asbestos testing?

The need for an asbestos survey depends on the type of building, its age, and its intended use. In some cases, the cost of the survey will fall on the property owner, while in other cases it will be the responsibility of the person carrying out the renovation or demolition work. Here are some scenarios where a building owner or a contractor/Vendor should bear the cost of an asbestos survey:

Property owners

1. When buying a property: If you're buying a property constructed before 1999, it's advisable to arrange an asbestos survey to identify any potential hazards. The cost of the survey should fall on the buyer.

2. When carrying out maintenance or renovation work: If you're carrying out any work that may disturb the flooring or walls (for example drilling holes, cutting, or sanding) in an older building, an asbestos survey is essential. The cost of the survey should fall on the property owner.

3. When managing an older building: If you're responsible for managing an older building, you'll need to ensure that it's asbestos-free to ensure the safety of occupants. An asbestos survey is essential, and the cost should fall on the property owner.

Contractors/Vendors

1. When carrying out demolition work: If you're a contractor or vendor carrying out demolition work in an older building, you'll need to ensure that asbestos-containing materials are identified and safely removed before demolition work starts. The cost of the survey and removal should fall on the contractor/vendor.

2. When carrying out refurbishment or renovation work: If you're a contractor or vendor carrying out refurbishment or renovation work in an older building, you'll need to ensure that asbestos-containing materials are identified and safely removed before work starts. The cost of the survey and removal should fall on the contractor/vendor.

How much does asbestos testing cost in Hampshire?

The cost of an asbestos survey depends on several factors, including the type of survey required, the size of the building, and its location. As a general rule, the cost of an asbestos survey starts from 150 for a management survey and 250 for a refurbishment or demolition survey. The cost of asbestos removal will depend on the quantity of asbestos-containing materials and the location and accessibility of the materials.

Why choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for asbestos testing in Hampshire?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer reliable, efficient and cost-effective asbestos testing services in Hampshire and South East England. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to identify and safely remove any asbestos-containing materials in your building. We provide a range of services, including asbestos surveys, sampling, analysis, asbestos removal, and disposal.

Our team is licensed, insured and has ample experience in handling hazardous materials, including asbestos. We take every job seriously, ensuring that all our clients and their loved ones are safe from asbestos's harmful effects. If you're in Hampshire and suspect that your building may contain asbestos-containing materials, call us today on 01962 458066.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous material that poses a severe health risk when inhaled. Property and homeowners in Hampshire who suspect that their building may contain asbestos should have it properly tested and, if necessary, removed to protect occupants' health. The cost of the survey and removal will depend on the type of building and the intended use. Whether you're a property owner or contractor, it's essential to ensure that the building is asbestos-free before any renovation or demolition work commences. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire today for reliable, efficient and cost-effective asbestos testing services in Hampshire and South East England.