Do Flat Management Companies Have To Get An Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that has caused countless diseases and illnesses for those who have been exposed to it. Due to its widespread use in the past, many older buildings may still contain asbestos, posing a risk to the health and safety of anyone who comes into contact with it. This is why there are strict regulations in place for managing asbestos in buildings, which includes the requirement for an asbestos survey.

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to identify any materials that may contain asbestos. It is generally required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a property. But what about flat management companies in Sussex? Are they also required to get an asbestos survey? In this article, we'll explore the regulations surrounding asbestos surveys and their application to flat management companies.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. It was valued for its heat resistance, strength, and durability, and was used in a variety of products including cement, insulation, flooring, and roofing materials. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers could cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

As a result of these health concerns, the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many older buildings still contain asbestos, and it is still possible to come into contact with asbestos fibers in certain circumstances. This is why there are strict regulations in place for managing asbestos in buildings.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any materials that may contain asbestos. The survey will usually involve taking samples of any suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and analyzing them in a laboratory to determine whether they do in fact contain asbestos.

There are two types of asbestos survey:

• Management Survey: This is the most basic type of survey and is required for all non-domestic buildings built before the year 2000. The aim of the survey is to identify any ACMs in the building that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, and to assess the condition of those materials. The survey does not involve any intrusive work and is typically carried out on a visual basis.

• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: This type of survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a property. The aim of the survey is to identify any ACMs in the building that could be damaged or disturbed by the proposed works. The survey is much more intrusive than a management survey and may involve potentially damaging work such as drilling or breaking through walls and floors to access hidden areas.

Do Flat Management Companies Have to Get an Asbestos Survey?

The short answer is yes, flat management companies in Sussex are required to get an asbestos survey if their building was built before the year 2000. This is because the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings falls on whoever has control over the building in this case, the flat management company.

According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings includes:

• Identifying the location, amount, and condition of any ACMs in the building
• Assessing the risk of any ACMs causing harm
• Preparing and implementing a plan to manage the risks
• Providing information on the location and condition of any ACMs to anyone who needs it, such as maintenance workers or contractors

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and even imprisonment.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important for Flat Management Companies?

The importance of an asbestos survey for flat management companies cannot be overstated. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it is also crucial for ensuring the health and safety of anyone who comes into contact with the building.

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed are usually left in place and managed. However, if the building is undergoing refurbishment or demolition, or if the ACMs are in poor condition, they may need to be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Without an asbestos survey, it is impossible to know whether or not there are any ACMs in the building that could pose a risk to the health and safety of those who come into contact with it. This could potentially put the flat management company at risk of legal action if someone is harmed as a result of exposure to asbestos.

How to Get an Asbestos Survey in Sussex

If you are a flat management company in Sussex and need an asbestos survey, you should contact a reputable asbestos survey company in your area. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted asbestos survey company that specializes in managing asbestos in buildings.

Our team of experienced surveyors can carry out a management or refurbishment/demolition survey on your property to identify any ACMs and assess the risks. We provide comprehensive reports and can advise you on how to manage any ACMs that are identified. If any ACMs need to be removed, we can also provide a competitive quote for asbestos removal services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, flat management companies in Sussex are required to get an asbestos survey if their building was built before the year 2000. This is to ensure that the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings is fulfilled and that the health and safety of anyone who comes into contact with the building is protected.

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any materials that may contain asbestos. It is important for flat management companies to get an asbestos survey to ensure that any ACMs present in the building are managed safely and that the risks are assessed and minimized.

If you are a flat management company in Sussex and need an asbestos survey, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help you manage asbestos in your property and ensure the safety of all who use it.