Do I Need An Asbestos Survey For A New Building In Sussex?

Introduction

If you're planning to buy or renovate a property in Sussex, it's important to consider the possible presence of asbestos. This natural mineral was widely used in construction until the 1990s, and can be found in a huge variety of materials, such as roofing tiles, insulation, floor tiles, and more. Asbestos is dangerous when inhaled, and can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis, among other health issues. Therefore, it's essential to have a professional asbestos survey conducted to ensure your safety.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex are an experienced asbestos survey company based in Sussex. In this article, we'll discuss in detail why a survey is necessary, and how we can help you.

Domestic and Law considerations

Ever since asbestos was recognized as a health hazard, the UK government and various professional associations have issued regulations and guidance that place responsibility on building owners and employers to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) effectively.

It is an offence in the UK to knowingly or unknowingly expose someone to asbestos fibres. If you are a landlord or homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring that anybody carrying out work in your property is aware of these regulations and identifies the presence and condition of ACMs before starting any work. Asbestos-containing materials are still present in many buildings constructed before 2000, so it's essential to check whether they are present, and if so, what their condition is.

Asbestos and Health

Asbestos fibres are incredibly small and lightweight, and can become airborne when disturbed. When breathed in, they can stick to the lungs and cause serious health problems. Asbestos is responsible for around 5000 deaths in the UK every year, with health issues sometimes taking decades to manifest themselves. This is why it's essential to check for asbestos before undertaking any work on a property, particularly if it was built before 2000.

Do I need an asbestos survey if I am buying a house?

If you're buying a property in Sussex, it is important to have an asbestos survey conducted before you complete the purchase. The survey will identify any ACMs present on the property, and give you a good indication of whether they are in good condition or require removal.

Most mortgages providers will carry out a survey to assess the value of a property before approving a mortgage. However, while they may not specifically request an asbestos survey, they may ask whether one has been carried out, and whether any ACMs were found. So, arranging an asbestos survey could be a good way to avoid delay and additional investigative surveys.

Survey Required By Planning Department

As part of the planning process for demolition, refurbishment, or major repairs on a property, the planning department may ask you to provide an asbestos survey that shows the presence of ACMs, their location, their condition, and any necessary management procedures. This must be done by a qualified and insured company who can produce the report in the prescribed format.

Finding a Department

If you're unsure which department is responsible for planning permissions in your area, you can find out using the UK government website. Planning departments often respond more quickly and positively to those who provide all the required information upfront.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are investigations that identify the presence, location, and condition of ACMs. The survey will highlight the likelihood of any ACMs releasing fibres into the air or being damaged or disturbed, and will provide advice on how best to manage any identified ACMs.

Do I Need an Asbestos Survey for My Home?

If you own a home in Sussex, it is essential to know if it contains any asbestos-containing materials, and if so, what condition they are in. There is no legal requirement to perform an asbestos survey in private residential addresses, unlike commercial buildings.

However, if general or renovation work is going to be conducted, it is advisable to have an asbestos survey to identify and manage any ACMs that may be present in the property.

What is ACMS?

Asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs, typically have asbestos fibres mixed with other construction materials. When these materials degrade, they release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems. Examples of ACMs include asbestos pipe insulation, sprayed coatings, cement products, and various types of insulation, as well as many others.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos survey recognized in the UK, management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

The purpose of a management survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any ACMs in the building. The survey is aimed to identify the presence of ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, minor maintenance, or installations, and to assess their condition and associated risks. The survey will provide recommendations on how to manage these ACMs, including how to label, monitor, and assess their condition.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

This survey is necessary when any building work, activity, or demolition that may disturb or damage the existing structure is planned, whether an owner, landlord or contractor is responsible for the work.

ACM Surveyors

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a firm of Chartered Surveyors and Certified Professionals who specialize in the management and removal of asbestos. Our Technical Director, who has 20 years of experience in asbestos management, says "For building owners or those planning to renovate or demolish a building, gaining an early assessment of the risks that may be associated with ACMs is essential. An ACM survey is the first step in ensuring that these risks are minimized and managed within a safe system of work.".

Asbestos Survey and Safety

Health and safety should be your priority when conducting any work on your property. When conducting an asbestos survey, it's essential to use a company with experience and professionalism. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex has the technical expertise and resources to safely conduct ACM surveys on all types of buildings.

Asbestos Survey and Managing

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex understands the importance of managing asbestos-containing materials. After the survey, we provide comprehensive reports and recommendations on how to manage identified ACMs, providing guidance for labelling, monitoring, and assessing their condition. We offer a full range of asbestos management services, from sampling and testing to removal and disposal.

ACMS and Buying a Home

If you're buying a home in Sussex, you'll have enough to worry about without the added stress and expense of dealing with asbestos. A survey from Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex will give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about how to manage or remove any ACMs identified.

Asbestos Survey in Sussex and South East England

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted and professional provider of asbestos surveys, management, and removal services in Sussex and South East England. Our experts can give you the peace of mind you need when it comes to the safety of your home or commercial property.

Risk also

Asbestos is a real risk that needs to be taken seriously. Failure to identify and manage asbestos can lead to serious and expensive problems down the line. Don't take the risk, arrange for a survey today.

Conclusion

If you're buying, renovating, or demolishing a property in Sussex, an asbestos survey is an essential step in ensuring occupants and workers' health and safety. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can help you discover whether ACMs are present in your property and how best to manage them, offering expert guidance every step of the way. Call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to arrange your survey today.