How is Asbestos Testing Done in Sussex?

Are you concerned that your home or property might contain asbestos? Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was widely used in building materials throughout the UK until the 1980s. If you suspect that asbestos may be present in your home or building, it's essential to have it tested to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex are a trusted asbestos testing company in Sussex. We provide comprehensive asbestos surveys and testing services to identify any asbestos-containing materials in your home or building. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing high-quality services at affordable prices.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. It was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, asbestos is now known to be extremely dangerous to human health, causing diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials are still commonly found in many older buildings throughout the UK. If you own an older property, it's essential to have it tested for asbestos to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and others.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property to identify any asbestos-containing materials. There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management Survey - This survey is designed to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be present in a property. It is typically carried out as part of an ongoing management plan to monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials.

2. Refurbishment and Demolition Survey - This survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. It is more intrusive than a management survey and involves sampling and testing of materials suspected to contain asbestos.

How is Asbestos Testing Carried Out?

Asbestos testing is typically carried out using a process called Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM). This involves taking a small sample of the material suspected to contain asbestos and examining it under a microscope to identify any asbestos fibres.

The sample is taken using a special tool that prevents the release of any asbestos fibres into the air. The sample is then sealed in a container and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we use a UKAS accredited laboratory for all our asbestos testing. This ensures that our results are accurate and reliable.

What Materials Can Contain Asbestos?

Asbestos was commonly used in a wide range of building materials before its ban in the UK in the 1980s. Some of the most common materials that may contain asbestos include:

• Asbestos cement (AC) sheets
• Insulation boards
• Textured coatings (such as Artex)
• Floor tiles
• Pipe lagging
• Gaskets and seals

It's important to note that not all old materials contain asbestos, and not all new materials are asbestos-free. Asbestos testing is the only way to be sure whether a material contains asbestos or not.

Why Is Asbestos Testing Important?

Asbestos testing is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others. If asbestos-containing materials are not identified and managed properly, they can pose a significant health risk. Asbestos fibres can become airborne when materials are disturbed, such as during building work or renovations. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can cause serious and potentially deadly lung diseases.

If you suspect that asbestos may be present in your home or building, it's essential to have it tested. Asbestos testing is also a legal requirement before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide a comprehensive asbestos testing service to identify any asbestos-containing materials in your home or building. Our team of experts is trained to identify asbestos-containing materials and carry out surveys and testing to ensure your safety.

We offer a range of asbestos testing services to suit the needs of our clients, including:

• Management surveys
• Refurbishment and demolition surveys
• Air monitoring
• Bulk sampling

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services at affordable prices. We understand that asbestos testing can be a stressful and worrying experience, which is why we aim to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect that your home or building may contain asbestos, it's essential to have it tested as soon as possible. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide comprehensive asbestos testing services to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

To find out more about our services or to book an asbestos survey, 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 to find out more about our company and services.