Do I Need An Asbestos Survey On A Commercial Property In Sussex?

Are you a property owner or manager in Sussex or the South East of England? Are you aware of the potential risks associated with asbestos? If not, then this page is for you.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral that was used extensively in construction and manufacturing from the 1950s to the 1980s. It was highly prized for its fire-retardant and insulating properties, and was used in everything from roofing tiles and cement to insulation, boilers, and even clothing.

However, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 due to its links to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious respiratory illnesses. Despite this ban, many buildings in Sussex and across the UK still contain asbestos, and it continues to pose a significant risk to the health and safety of those who come into contact with it.

If you own or manage a commercial property in Sussex, it is essential that you take steps to identify and manage any asbestos that may be present. This means conducting an asbestos survey, which will provide you with valuable information on the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of your property carried out by trained and qualified professionals. The purpose of the survey is to identify any ACMs that may be present, assess their condition and potential risk, and provide recommendations on how to manage or remove them safely.

There are two main types of asbestos survey:

1. Management Survey:

A management survey is the standard survey undertaken to locate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition. Management surveys will often involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance. The survey will usually involve sampling and analysis to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos. Damage assessments are also carried out.

2. Refurbishment/demolition survey:

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required when a building (or part of it) is to be refurbished, demolished, or dismantled. This type of survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practical, all ACMs in a building (or part of it). The survey will be fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. A refurbishment/demolition survey may also be required in other circumstances, such as when intrusive maintenance and repair work will be carried out.

Why do I need an asbestos survey?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in many different types of building materials, including insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, roofing, and more. If your property was built or renovated prior to 2000, it is highly likely that asbestos-containing materials were used in its construction.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is a legal requirement for every commercial property owner or occupier in the UK to manage the risks posed by asbestos in their building. A key part of this process is to identify whether or not asbestos is present in your building, and if so, to manage it appropriately.

Failure to identify and manage asbestos in your property could result in serious health and safety risks for you, your employees, and any visitors to your premises. It could also result in legal action against you, and potentially costly fines.

How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a reputable and reliable asbestos survey company in Sussex. We have years of experience in helping commercial property owners and managers across the region to ensure the safety of their buildings, and the health and wellbeing of their employees.

Our team of experienced surveyors are fully trained and accredited, and we use only the most advanced and up-to-date equipment and techniques to carry out our surveys. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, and we always provide comprehensive and easy-to-understand reports to our clients.

We understand that asbestos surveys can be a daunting prospect for many property owners and managers, which is why we offer a range of affordable and flexible survey packages to suit your individual needs and requirements. Whether you are looking for a management survey or a refurbishment/demolition survey, we can provide the expertise and support you need to ensure your building is safe and compliant with all current regulations.

Do I need to remove asbestos from my property?

If asbestos is detected in your building, you may be wondering whether or not you need to remove it. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type and condition of the asbestos, its location within the building, and the potential risks it poses.

In some cases, it may be possible to manage the asbestos in situ, by encapsulating or sealing it to prevent it from becoming airborne. In other cases, however, removal may be necessary, particularly if the asbestos is in a poor condition or is likely to be disturbed as a result of normal maintenance or repair work.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide a range of asbestos removal services for commercial properties across Sussex and the South East. Our teams are trained and certified in all aspects of asbestos removal, and we use only the most advanced and safe techniques to ensure the effective and safe removal of asbestos from your property.

Conclusion

If you own or manage a commercial property in Sussex, it is essential that you take asbestos seriously. The risks associated with asbestos are significant, and failure to identify and manage asbestos in your building could result in serious legal, financial, and health and safety consequences.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are here to help. From asbestos surveys to asbestos removal, we can provide the expertise and support you need to ensure your building is safe, compliant, and free from asbestos hazards.

To find out more about our services, or to arrange an asbestos survey for your building, please contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.