How Long Is An Asbestos Survey Valid In Sussex?

Asbestos is a harmful substance that was commonly used in building materials in the past. It was discovered that exposure to asbestos is linked to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, among other illnesses. Asbestos surveys are done to identify asbestos-containing materials in a building or structure, either before or after a demolition or refurbishment project. But have you ever wondered how long an asbestos survey is valid in Sussex? This article will provide you with the information you need to know.

Who Are We?

We are Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, and we are a reputable asbestos survey and removal company serving Sussex and the surrounding areas.

About Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction from the 1950s to the 1980s. Due to its heat-resistant properties, it was a popular material for insulation, fireproofing, and ceiling and flooring tiles. However, due to its health hazards, the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in the UK in 1999.

Asbestos Survey & Management

An asbestos survey is necessary to identify the presence and condition of asbestos in a building. The survey can either be a management survey or a refurbishment and demolition survey. The management survey is conducted to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials in a building. The survey is necessary to ensure regular monitoring and management of the asbestos-containing materials' condition to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.

On the other hand, the refurbishment and demolition survey are conducted when the building or structure is being refurbished, renovated or demolished. The purpose of the survey is to identify any asbestos-containing materials in the building or structure that could be disturbed during the refurbishment, renovation, or demolition process.

Health and Safety

Asbestos poses a significant health risk to people who come into contact with it. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they release asbestos fibers into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they can cause significant health problems, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Therefore, it's essential to have an asbestos survey conducted before undertaking any refurbishment, renovation, or demolition work to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Required Asbestos Surveys

It's a legal requirement to conduct an asbestos survey before any refurbishment, renovation, or demolition work on a building or structure. The survey should be conducted by a competent person with specialist training to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are correctly identified, and appropriate action can be taken to manage or remove them safely.

Asbestos-Containing Materials Register

After the asbestos survey is conducted, a register should be created, detailing the location, amount, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials that were found in the building or structure. This register should be kept updated and made available to anyone who may come into contact with the materials.

Changes to Building Layout and Demolition Plan

If any changes are made to the building's layout or a demolition plan is created, the asbestos survey should be reviewed and updated accordingly. This is essential to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during the renovation, refurbishment, or demolition are correctly identified and managed or removed appropriately.

Types of Asbestos

There are six types of asbestos, but only three were commonly used in building materials:

White Asbestos

Also known as chrysotile, white asbestos was commonly used in insulation, ceiling tiles, and roofing materials.

Brown Asbestos

Also known as amosite, brown asbestos was commonly used in cement sheets, insulation boards, and other building materials.

Blue Asbestos

Also known as crocidolite, blue asbestos was commonly used in steam engines and pipe insulation.

Of the three most common types of asbestos, brown asbestos was the most hazardous.

How Long Is An Asbestos Survey Valid in Sussex

There is no set timeframe for how long an asbestos survey is valid in Sussex. The validity of the survey depends on the condition of the building, the asbestos-containing materials' state, and any changes made to the building or demolition plan.

Therefore, it's essential to regularly review and update an asbestos survey to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date. Any changes made to the building or demolition plan should be assessed to determine if they affect the asbestos-containing materials identified in the survey.

Asbestos Removal

If asbestos-containing materials are identified in a survey, either in good or poor condition, they must be managed appropriately to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. In many cases, the asbestos-containing materials will need to be removed by a licensed and qualified asbestos removal company.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a reputable asbestos survey and removal company serving Sussex and the surrounding areas. Our team is trained and qualified to conduct asbestos surveys, manage asbestos-containing materials, and safely remove asbestos from buildings or structures.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about asbestos surveys or would like to book an asbestos survey or removal, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can be reached on 01273 978238 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is necessary to identify any asbestos-containing materials in a building, either before or after a demolition or refurbishment project. There is no set timeframe for how long an asbestos survey is valid in Sussex. The validity of the survey depends on the state and condition of any asbestos-containing materials identified and any changes made to the building or demolition plan.

Regular reviews and updates of the survey are critical to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date. It is also necessary to manage any asbestos-containing materials appropriately to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for all of your asbestos survey and removal needs.