Do I Need Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

Asbestos is a dangerous and carcinogenic substance that was widely used in the construction of buildings until the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you own or manage a property in Sussex, you may be wondering if you need an asbestos survey. In this article, we will explore if and why asbestos surveys are necessary for properties in Sussex.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction of buildings due to its fire-resistant properties. It was commonly used in insulation, roofs, pipes, and other building materials. There are different types of asbestos, such as chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to determine the presence, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on the site. Asbestos surveys are necessary to ensure the safety of people who live or work in the building, as well as those who carry out refurbishment or demolition work on the premises.

Why Are Asbestos Surveys Necessary?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 makes it a legal requirement for property owners and managers to identify and manage ACMs on their premises. The regulations state that if asbestos is present, it must be managed or removed by a licensed contractor. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal action.

When Is An Asbestos Survey Required?

Asbestos surveys are required in the following circumstances:

Refurbishment, Demolition or Alteration

If refurbishment, demolition, or alteration work is planned, an asbestos survey must be carried out before the work starts. This is to ensure that any ACMs are identified and managed or removed before the work begins. By law, any asbestos must be removed before work commences if it is likely to be disturbed.

Homebuyer Survey

If you are buying a property that was built before the ban on asbestos, you may want to have an asbestos survey carried out as part of your pre-purchase survey. This is to identify any potential asbestos risks and estimate the costs of any remedial work that may be needed.

Regular Check-Up

It is recommended that all non-domestic properties have an asbestos survey carried out at least once every 5 years. This is to ensure that the asbestos-containing materials are still in good condition and that any necessary repairs or removal are carried out promptly.

What Are the Reasons for an Asbestos Survey?

There are several reasons why an asbestos survey may be needed. These include:

Health and Safety

The main reason for an asbestos survey is to ensure the safety of people who live or work in the building. Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, so it is essential to identify and manage any ACMs present.

Compliance with the Law

As mentioned earlier in this article, it is a legal requirement to manage or remove any asbestos on your premises. An asbestos survey will ensure that you comply with the law and avoid any legal action and fines.

To Avoid Disruption to Your Business

If you are planning refurbishment or demolition work, an asbestos survey will ensure that any ACMs are identified and managed or removed before the work starts. This will avoid any disruption to your business and increase safety for those involved in the work.

Peace of Mind

An asbestos survey will give you peace of mind knowing that you have identified and managed any potential asbestos risks on your premises.

What Are the Types of Asbestos Surveys?

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

Management Survey

A management survey is the standard survey for non-domestic properties. It is a non-intrusive survey that only checks for easily accessible ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy. This survey assesses the condition of the ACMs and recommends any action that needs to be taken to manage them.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any refurbishment, demolition, or alteration work takes place. This is a more intrusive survey that involves sampling of suspected ACMs to identify the exact type and quantity of asbestos present.

Do You Need an Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

If you own or manage a property in Sussex, an asbestos survey may be necessary. Asbestos surveys are legal requirements for many types of buildings, and they are necessary to ensure the safety of people who live or work in the building. If you are unsure whether you need an asbestos survey, you can contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for advice and a quote.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer a comprehensive asbestos surveying service to ensure the safety of people who live or work in the building. We have years of experience in identifying and managing asbestos risks in commercial and residential properties across Sussex and the South East of England.

If you need an asbestos survey, contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. Our phone number is 01273 978238, and our email is [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.