Do I Need An Asbestos Survey Before Doing Works In Sussex?

Asbestos is a substance that has been widely used in construction and industrial applications for many years. It is a mineral that is known for its fire-resistant and insulation properties. However, it has been discovered that asbestos poses a serious health risk when its fibers are inhaled. This has led to the regulation and control of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) both in the UK and globally.

If you own or operate a building in Sussex, South East England, you may be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey before conducting any works. In this article, we'll discuss the regulations concerning asbestos-containing materials and why an asbestos survey may be necessary.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Are A Asbestos Survey Company In Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a leading company providing asbestos survey services in Sussex. We have a team of experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about asbestos and its associated risks. Our mission is to help our clients manage asbestos-containing materials in their buildings in a safe and cost-effective way.

We offer a range of affordable asbestos survey services in Sussex, including asbestos management surveys and asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys. Our surveys comply with relevant regulations, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in construction materials for many years due to its fire-resistant and insulation properties. It comes in six forms, but the three most commonly used are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.

Asbestos became popular in the mid-20th century, but the substance was eventually discovered to be highly toxic to humans. The fibers can cause severe respiratory problems, and prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Duty to Manage Asbestos

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings, including public buildings, workplaces, and commercial properties. The regulation requires a duty holder to identify and assess the presence of ACMs in their building and have a management plan that details how the ACMs will be managed.

The duty to manage asbestos extends to all non-domestic buildings, regardless of their size or age. If you own or operate a building that is subject to the duty to manage asbestos, you are legally obliged to have an asbestos survey in place.

Asbestos Containing Materials in Domestic Buildings

There is no legal requirement for an asbestos survey in domestic properties, but it is highly recommended. If you are planning to do any works in your home that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, such as ceiling tiles, floor tiles, or boiler flues, you should have an asbestos survey done beforehand.

Although there is no legal requirement, it is still essential to ensure that you and your family are protected from the dangers of asbestos. An asbestos survey can identify any ACMs in your home and provide advice on how to manage them safely.

Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are conducted to identify the presence, quantity, and condition of ACMs in a building. The survey will usually involve sampling and testing of suspect materials, and a report will be produced detailing the findings.

There are two types of asbestos surveys that may be required: management surveys and refurbishment or demolition surveys.

Management Survey

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey and is required to comply with the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings. The survey aims to identify ACMs that may be present in the building and assess their condition.

The survey will typically involve a visual inspection of the building and any accessible areas, such as lofts, cellars, and service ducts. Samples may also be taken of suspected ACMs to confirm their presence.

Refurbishment or Demolition Survey

A refurbishment or demolition survey is required when a building is undergoing refurbishment or demolition works. The survey aims to identify all ACMs in the building that will be disturbed by the works.

The survey will be more invasive than a management survey, and it will usually involve destructive sampling of materials. The results of the survey will inform the refurbishment or demolition plan and ensure that all ACMs are safely removed before the works commence.

Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you are planning to do any works in a non-domestic building, it is a legal requirement to have an asbestos survey in place. This includes routine maintenance, repair works, and refurbishment or demolition works.

If you own or operate a domestic property, an asbestos survey is not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended. If you are unsure whether your building contains asbestos, please contact us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, and we can advise you on the best course of action.

Could I be Damaged by Asbestos?

If you are exposed to asbestos fibers, you could be at risk of developing serious respiratory problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases can take many years to develop, and symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.

Asbestos is a dangerous substance, and it is vital that any works that may disturb ACMs are carried out by trained professionals. Failure to manage asbestos correctly can result in serious health risks and legal liabilities.

Asbestos - Two Main Types

There are two main types of asbestos, friable and non-friable. Friable asbestos is a type of ACM that can be crumbled or pulverized by hand pressure. Non-friable asbestos is a type of ACM that cannot be crumbled or pulverized by hand pressure.

Friable ACMs are more dangerous than non-friable ACMs, as they can release fibers more easily when they are disturbed. It is essential to identify any friable ACMs in your building and ensure that they are managed correctly.

Health and Safety of Asbestos Surveys

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we take health and safety very seriously. We use the latest technology and equipment, and our team of professionals are fully trained in the safe identification and removal of asbestos.

We are accredited by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA). We adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations to ensure that our clients and our team are protected at all times.

Conclusion

If you own or operate a building in Sussex, South East England, an asbestos survey may be necessary before conducting any works. Asbestos can pose a serious health risk, and it is essential that ACMs are identified and managed safely.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we specialize in offering affordable and reliable asbestos surveys in Sussex. Contact us on 01273 978238 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you.