Do I Need An Asbestos Survey To Demolish A Building In Sussex?

If you're planning to demolish a building in Sussex, it's important to consider whether there may be asbestos present. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in construction before its dangers became widely known. If disturbed or damaged, asbestos can release fibers that can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex, providing comprehensive surveys to help identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings. But do you really need an asbestos survey before demolishing a building in Sussex? Let's explore this question in more detail.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction between the 1950s and the 1990s. Its heat-resistant and insulating properties made it an ideal choice for a range of building materials, including concrete, insulation, roofing, and flooring.

However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the dangers of asbestos began to be widely recognized. Researchers found that exposure to asbestos fibers could cause serious health problems, with lung cancer and mesothelioma being the most common. As a result, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, although many buildings constructed before this date may still contain ACMs.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any ACMs that may be present. It is a legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work, as well as for managing asbestos in non-domestic buildings.

There are two main types of asbestos survey:

• Management survey - this is a standard survey that is carried out to identify any ACMs that may be present, so they can be monitored and managed. It is usually carried out when a building is still in use.

• Refurbishment/demolition survey - this is a more intrusive survey that is required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. It is designed to identify all ACMs that may be present, so they can be safely removed before work begins.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide both types of surveys, using state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained professionals to ensure accurate results.

Do I Need an Asbestos Survey to Demolish a Building in Sussex?

In short, yes. If you're planning to demolish a building in Sussex, you must have a refurbishment/demolition survey carried out beforehand. This is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and failure to comply can result in serious fines or even imprisonment.

Even if you think there is no asbestos present in your building, it's important to have a survey carried out to ensure that there are no hidden ACMs that could be disturbed during demolition work. This could not only put your workers at risk but also members of the public who may be in the area.

What Happens After an Asbestos Survey?

If an asbestos survey identifies ACMs in your building, it's important to take action. Depending on the type and condition of the ACMs, you may need to:

• Manage the ACMs - this involves monitoring the materials and ensuring they do not become damaged or disturbed.

• Remove the ACMs - this is usually necessary if the ACMs are damaged, or if they will be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition work. ACMs must be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we can provide both asbestos management and removal services, ensuring that your building is safe and compliant with asbestos regulations.

Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for Your Asbestos Survey Needs

If you're in need of an asbestos survey for your demolition or refurbishment project in Sussex, look no further than Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We are a trusted and experienced asbestos survey company in Sussex, providing cost-effective and reliable surveys to help keep your building safe from the dangers of asbestos.

To learn more about our services or to schedule an asbestos survey, contact us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.