Do Contractors Have To Test For Asbestos In Sussex?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause severe health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It has been widely used in building materials, such as insulation, roofing, and floor tiles. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of whether you would be required to test for asbestos when carrying out work in Sussex, South East England.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is an asbestos testing company based in Sussex, offering comprehensive asbestos surveys and removal services. In this article, we will explore whether contractors have to test for asbestos in Sussex and why it is crucial to do so.

Asbestos and Its Risk

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials from the 1950s until the 1990s. Due to its heat-resistant properties, durability, and low cost, it was commonly used in thousands of products and construction materials worldwide.

Although asbestos is no longer used in new construction, buildings built before 2000 are likely to contain asbestos somewhere. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they release microscopic fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause fatal diseases.

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, which is why it's essential to take adequate precautions when carrying out work that could disturb ACMs.

Asbestos Survey: When Must You Have It?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building or structure to identify any ACMs that may cause harm to people undergoing regular activities or maintenance operations. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, you must have an asbestos survey done if you're responsible for maintaining a non-domestic building, or you're an employer in control of the maintenance or repair of a non-domestic property.

-Non-domestic means it is not a private home, such as an office or factory. -Responsibility refers to any ability to influence what happens in the building or any part of it, regardless of the lease agreement.

If you're responsible for maintaining a non-domestic property, you must have a survey to determine if asbestos is present or not. Moreover, if there are any ACMs in the building, you must have a written plan that outlines how they will be managed and kept safe.

Asbestos Survey: When Is It Not Required?

You do not need an asbestos survey if it's a residential property you own and occupy, and there is no evidence that there are ACMs present. However, this does not mean that you shouldn't be cautious. If you're planning any refurbishment, renovation, or repair work on your residential property, you must first ensure that there are no ACMs that could be disturbed.

In summary, you don't need an asbestos survey if:

• You own a residential property that is not rented
• The property was built after 2000
• The property is a domestic property built before 2000, and there is no evidence of ACMs

Asbestos Management: How Can Work Be Carried Out Safely?

If asbestos is found in a building or structure, it must be managed by a competent person who has the appropriate training and experience to manage ACMs. The person must assess the risk of the asbestos and decide how to manage it safely.

When carrying out any work likely to disturb ACMs, you must have the appropriate precautions in place, such as:

• Carrying out the work when no one is in the building
• Closing off the affected area and preventing access
• Using protective clothing and respiratory equipment
• Sealing the area to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping
• Providing adequate warnings and notices

Asbestos Removal: Who Can Do The Work?

If asbestos is found in a building, it must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself, as it is illegal and can be hazardous. Licensed contractors have the training, experience, and equipment to remove asbestos safely and dispose of it properly.

Asbestos Essentials is a free guide published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that contains practical advice for anyone working with, or near, ACMs. It covers both licensed and non-licensed work with ACMs and provides examples of both types.

Non-licensed work is any work that doesn't require a license to be carried out. It includes tasks such as drilling small holes or removing floor tiles. Examples of licensed work include removing sprayed asbestos coatings, lagging, or Insulation Board.

Asbestos Testing for Contractors

If you're a contractor, you may be required to test for asbestos before carrying out work on a building or structure. The easiest way to find out whether you need an asbestos survey or not is to check the employer or landlord's asbestos register or ask them directly.

As a contractor, you must be prepared to manage the risk of asbestos, even if there is no evidence or record of it being present. You must always assume that asbestos is present and take the necessary precautions to protect your health, your employees, and the general public.

Asbestos Testing: Who Can Do The Work?

Asbestos testing must be carried out by a laboratory that is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The laboratory must be competent and have the appropriate equipment and trained personnel to carry out the test accurately.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause severe health problems if it is not managed correctly. If you're responsible for maintaining a non-domestic building or carrying out work that could potentially disturb ACMs, you must have an asbestos survey done to identify any hazards.

If ACMs are present, they must be managed safely, and if necessary, removed by a licensed contractor. Contractors must assume that asbestos is present and take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and others.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is certified and experienced in carrying out asbestos testing, surveys, and removal. Contact us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] for more information, and let us help you manage your asbestos risks today.

Details Starting

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is here to help you manage your asbestos risks. We're a certified company with experienced professionals who can carry out asbestos testing, surveys, and removals. Call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

Get Your Asbestos Survey Done Today

Don't take any chances with asbestos. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex provides comprehensive asbestos surveys to identify ACMs in buildings and structures. Contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to book your survey.

Book Your Asbestos Removal Today

If you need asbestos removal, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is the right choice. Our licensed professionals will remove asbestos from your building safely and efficiently. Call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to book your removal today.