How Long To Test For Asbestos In Sussex

If you are living in Sussex, South East England and you are concerned with the possibility of the presence of asbestos in your building, then you need a professional asbestos testing company to conduct a survey and collect samples for analysis. Asbestos is a hazardous material that causes many diseases and health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and it is important to know whether your building contains this material so that you can take the necessary measures to remove it or manage it safely.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos testing company in Sussex that can assist you in identifying the presence of asbestos and providing you with accurate results within a short period. Our team of qualified and experienced surveyors, analysts, and consultants are committed to delivering high-quality asbestos testing services that meet the legal requirements, the health and safety regulations, and the environmental standards.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until its ban in 1999, and many buildings constructed before that period contain asbestos in some form. The risk of asbestos exposure depends on several factors, such as the type of material, the condition of the material, the location of the material, and the activities that may disturb the material, such as drilling, cutting, or dismantling.

An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building or property to identify the presence, location, and extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess the risk of exposure to these materials. An asbestos survey is necessary if you are planning to:

• Renovate, refurbish, or demolish a building or property
• Carry out maintenance or repair work that may disturb ACMs
• Lease, sell, or buy a building or property
• Fulfil your legal duty to manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer two types of asbestos surveys:

1. Management Asbestos Survey: This survey is designed to locate and assess the condition of ACMs that may be present in the building and provides a management plan for the safe handling and maintenance of ACMs. This survey is required for non-domestic buildings built before 2000.

2. Refurbishment/Demolition Asbestos Survey: This survey is more intrusive than the management survey and is designed to locate and assess all ACMs that may be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition works. This survey is required if you are renovating or demolishing all or part of a building.

How Do We Collect Asbestos Samples?

Asbestos testing involves collecting samples of suspicious materials and analysing them in a laboratory to determine whether they contain asbestos and what type of asbestos they contain. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we follow the standard procedures for asbestos sampling as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Asbestos sampling involves:

1. Visual Inspection: Our surveyors will conduct a visual inspection of the building or property to identify any visible ACMs or suspect materials that may contain asbestos.

2. Preparation and Equipment: Our surveyors will prepare the sampling equipment, which includes disposable overalls, gloves, shoe covers, a respirator mask, ziplock bags, and labelling materials. We use clean equipment for each sample, and we decontaminate our equipment after each use.

3. Sampling: Our surveyors will take a small sample from the suspect material using a corer or a chisel and hammer. The samples will be placed in a ziplock bag and labelled with a unique code and the location and description of the material.

4. Cleaning: Our surveyors will clean the sampling area using wet wipes and a HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris that may contain asbestos. We dispose of the cleaning materials and any contaminated waste in an appropriate and safe manner.

5. Transportation: Our surveyors will transport the samples to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis using a secure and tracked courier service. We provide a same-day or next-day collection service for urgent samples.

How Long Does Asbestos Testing Take?

Asbestos testing involves two stages: sample analysis and reporting.

1. Sample Analysis: The analysis of asbestos samples is carried out in a UKAS-accredited laboratory using polarised light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis can take between 24 hours and five working days, depending on the number of samples, the type of asbestos, and the complexity of the analysis.

2. Reporting: Once the analysis is completed, the laboratory will issue a report that indicates the presence, location, type, and amount of asbestos found in the samples. The report may also include recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos, as well as advice on any legal obligations or health risks. The reporting can take between two and five working days, depending on the laboratory's workload and the complexity of the report.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we strive to provide our clients with speedy and reliable asbestos testing services. We can offer same-day results for urgent samples and keep you informed of the progress of your report at every stage.

How Can We Help You?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of timely and accurate asbestos testing to safeguard your health, your property, and your legal obligations. We are committed to providing affordable, quality, and professional asbestos testing services that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

To schedule an asbestos survey or asbestos testing in Sussex, please call us 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 about our services, our team, and our testimonials. We are always happy to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your asbestos management.