Do Converted Houses Require Asbestos Survey In Sussex?

Asbestos is a harmful material that was once widely used in various applications in construction, including insulation, flooring, roofing, and more. Since the discovery of its health hazards, asbestos has been banned in many countries, including the UK. However, its legacy lives on in many buildings, especially those built before the year 2000. That's why, if you're converting or renovating an old property, you need to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos and take appropriate steps to manage it safely.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional asbestos survey company in Sussex, specializing in identifying and removing asbestos from various types of properties. In this article, we'll explain whether converted houses require an asbestos survey in Sussex and what you need to know about managing asbestos if it's present.

Areas and Charges for Asbestos Survey

Firstly, let's clarify what we mean by an asbestos survey. An asbestos survey is a type of inspection that identifies the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

A management survey is a relatively simple survey that is required for all non-domestic properties built before 2000 to identify any ACMs that may be present in the building. A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more comprehensive survey that is required before any renovation or demolition work is carried out in a building to identify and assess the risks of ACMs in the affected areas.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer both types of surveys at reasonable charges. Our management surveys start from 150 plus VAT, while our refurbishment/demolition surveys start from 250 plus VAT.

Asbestos Areas in Converted Houses

Now, let's talk about converted houses. A converted house is a property that was originally built for one use but has been converted into another use, such as turning an old factory into an office building or a former church into a residential property. If the conversion took place before the year 2000, then it's highly likely that the property contains ACMs.

The areas that may contain asbestos in a converted house depend on the type of property and the materials used in the conversion. Some areas that are commonly found to contain asbestos in converted houses include:

• Business and retail spaces: If a former commercial building has been converted into a shop or office, there may be ACMs in the ceiling tiles, insulation, and flooring.
• Residential areas: In a converted residential property, there may be ACMs in the ceiling and wall insulation, flooring, and even in some decorative features such as textured coatings (e.g. Artex).
• Communal spaces: If the converted property has communal areas such as hallways, stairs, or a shared garden, there may be ACMs in the insulation or fireproofing materials.
• Offices: If an old office building has been converted into a residential property, there may be ACMs in the ceiling, floor, and wall materials.
• Also in other areas such as pipes, heating or ventilation systems and other building material.

The Importance of Asbestos Survey for Health and Safety

The presence of ACMs in a property can pose a significant health risk to those who live or work there. Asbestos fibers, when released into the air, can cause serious lung diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, which can take years or even decades to manifest.

That's why it's crucial to have an asbestos survey carried out in any converted house you're planning to renovate or convert. The survey will identify any ACMs present in the building and assess their condition and risk level. Based on the survey results, you can then take appropriate measures to manage the ACMs safely or have them removed by a professional asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

Landlord Asbestos Duty to Manage

If you're a landlord of a converted house, you have a legal duty to manage any ACMs present in the property under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This duty applies to both domestic and non-domestic properties and includes the following steps:

• Identify whether there are ACMs present in the property and assess their condition and risk level.
• Make a written plan that outlines how the ACMs will be managed safely and review the plan regularly.
• Provide information and training to your tenants and any contractors working in the property about the presence of ACMs and how to avoid disturbing them.
• Monitor the condition of the ACMs and take action if any changes in the risk level occur.

If you fail to fulfill your duty to manage, you could face fines, legal action, or even imprisonment. That's why it's essential to take asbestos management seriously and have an asbestos survey carried out if you suspect the presence of ACMs in your property.

Asbestos Removal in Converted Houses

If an asbestos survey identifies the presence of ACMs in your converted house, you have a few options for managing them safely. If the ACMs are in good condition, undisturbed, and unlikely to be damaged, you can leave them in place but monitor them regularly.

If the ACMs are in poor condition, damaged, or likely to be disturbed during renovation or conversion work, you'll need to have them removed by a licensed asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. Asbestos removal is a complex process that requires specialist equipment, training, and experience to carry out safely. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself is illegal and extremely dangerous, as it can release harmful fibers into the air.

Fortunately, at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we specialize in carrying out asbestos removal in converted houses and other types of properties in Sussex and the South East of England. We use the latest equipment and techniques to remove asbestos safely and efficiently, minimizing any disruption to your project or property.

The Fire and Asbestos Duty for Building Owners

In addition to the legal duty to manage asbestos, building owners and landlords have a duty to manage the risk of fire in their buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This duty includes identifying any materials that could contribute to the spread and intensity of a fire, including ACMs.

If a fire breaks out in a property containing ACMs, the heat can cause the fibers to release into the air, posing a significant risk to anyone in the building at the time. That's why it's essential to manage the risk of fire and asbestos in tandem, ensuring that your property is safe for occupants and visitors.

Conclusion

In summary, converted houses do require an asbestos survey in Sussex if they were built before the year 2000, as it's highly likely that they contain ACMs. Asbestos surveys can help identify any ACMs in the property and assess their risk level, allowing you to manage them safely or have them removed by a licensed asbestos removal company.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are experienced in carrying out asbestos surveys and removal in converted houses and other types of properties in Sussex and the South East of England. We understand the importance of managing asbestos safely to protect the health and safety of building occupants and visitors, as well as comply with legal obligations.

If you need an asbestos survey or removal in a converted house or any other type of property in Sussex, don't hesitate to contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We can provide you with a free quote and advice on managing asbestos safely in your property. You can reach us at 01273 978238 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information about our services.