Do I Need Asbestos Survey For A Domestic Extension In Sussex?

If you are planning a domestic extension in Sussex, you may wonder whether you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s. It can cause serious health problems if inhaled, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Therefore, it is crucial to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building to ensure they are managed and removed safely.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are an asbestos survey company in Sussex, South East England. We offer a range of asbestos services, including asbestos surveying, testing, removal, and management. In this article, we will explain why an asbestos survey is essential for a domestic extension in Sussex and how we can help.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant and insulation properties. It was added to a variety of building products, such as cement, insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles, and textured coatings. Asbestos fibres are extremely tiny and can easily be inhaled, which can cause serious health problems over time.

In 1999, the UK government prohibited the use of asbestos in new construction materials, but many older buildings still contain asbestos. The only way to know if your building contains asbestos is to conduct a survey.

Why do I need an asbestos survey for a domestic extension?

If you are planning a domestic extension in Sussex, you need to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the construction work. Asbestos-containing materials can be found in many areas of a building, including walls, ceilings, pipes, ducts, and boilers. These materials can be easily damaged or broken during construction work, causing hazardous fibres to be released into the air.

Therefore, the construction industry has strict regulations in place to protect workers and residents from the risks of asbestos exposure. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires anyone who may disturb asbestos during construction work to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials on the site. The regulations apply to all non-domestic buildings and to domestic buildings if they are used as a workplace.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to identify any ACMs that may be present. The survey involves a trained surveyor conducting a visual inspection and taking samples of suspect materials for laboratory analysis. The survey report will include information on the type, location, and condition of any ACMs found, as well as recommendations for managing or removing them safely.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is required for the routine management and maintenance of a building, such as before any construction work takes place. A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any major refurbishment or demolition work takes place.

How do asbestos fibres harm health?

Asbestos fibres are hazardous when they are breathed in and can cause serious health problems over time. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, the fibres can become airborne and be inhaled into the lungs. Once inside the body, the fibres can become trapped in the lung tissue and cause damage over time.

The health effects of asbestos exposure can take many years to develop and can be fatal. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop, and there is currently no cure.

What are the risks of asbestos-containing materials?

Asbestos-containing materials pose a risk if they are disturbed or damaged, causing the fibres to be released into the air. The risk is increased if the materials are friable, which means they can be crumbled by hand pressure. Examples of friable materials include old pipe insulation, sprayed coatings, and loose-fill insulation.

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and not disturbed do not pose an immediate risk. However, they still need to be managed properly to prevent accidental damage or disturbance.

Do I need an asbestos survey by law?

If you are planning a domestic extension in Sussex, you may be required by law to have an asbestos survey. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires anyone who may disturb asbestos during construction work to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials on the site. This includes domestic buildings that are being used as a workplace.

Therefore, before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place, a refurbishment/demolition survey is required to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed. If ACMs are found, they must be managed or removed safely by licensed asbestos contractors.

How can Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are an asbestos survey company in Sussex, South East England. We offer a range of asbestos services, including asbestos surveying, testing, removal, and management. Our team of qualified and experienced surveyors can conduct both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to identify any ACMs in your building.

We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that we identify any ACMs accurately and safely. We also provide advice on how to manage any ACMs that are identified, including recommendations for removal if necessary.

If ACMs are found, we can provide licensed asbestos removal services to remove them safely and legally. Our team of asbestos removal specialists is trained and experienced in safe removal techniques to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

Conclusion

If you are planning a domestic extension in Sussex, you need to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be present in your building. An asbestos survey is the only way to identify and manage any ACMs safely. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer a range of asbestos services to help you manage any asbestos risks in your building. Contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey requirements.