How Often Do Asbestos Surveys Need To Be Done In Sussex?

If you own a property or are planning on demolishing or renovating a building in Sussex, it's crucial to understand the importance of asbestos surveys. Asbestos is a harmful substance that was once widely used in building materials, and exposure to it can lead to serious health consequences, including lung cancer.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional asbestos survey company in Sussex that has been helping property owners manage asbestos for many years. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about asbestos surveys, including how often they need to be done in Sussex.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials due to its durability, heat resistance, and fire-retardant properties. It was commonly used in roofing materials, insulation, flooring, and many other building products.

However, it was discovered in the 1960s that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos has been banned in many countries, including the UK, but it's still present in many buildings that were constructed before the ban.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property or building to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be present. The survey involves taking samples of suspected ACMs and testing them in a laboratory to confirm their presence.

An asbestos survey can be either a management survey or a refurbishment/demolition survey, depending on the purpose of the survey. A management survey is usually carried out to assess and manage the presence of asbestos in a building, while a refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any renovation or demolition work takes place.

How often do asbestos surveys need to be done in Sussex?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that asbestos surveys are carried out regularly to ensure that any ACMs are managed appropriately. The frequency of the surveys depends on several factors, including the age of the building, the type of building, and the previous survey findings.

For instance, if your building was constructed before 2000 and has not been surveyed for asbestos, it's recommended that you have a management survey carried out as soon as possible. However, if your building has already been surveyed, the recommended frequency of a management survey is every two to three years.

If you're planning on refurbishing or demolishing a building, you'll need to have a refurbishment/demolition survey carried out before any work begins. This survey is more intrusive and involves destructive inspection of the building fabric to identify any ACMs that may be present.

Why are asbestos surveys important?

Asbestos surveys are essential for managing and controlling the risks associated with asbestos exposure in buildings. If asbestos is present in a building, it must be managed appropriately to ensure that it does not pose a risk to anyone who occupies or works in the building.

If asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release harmful fibers into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs. Long-term exposure to these fibers can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

By having regular asbestos surveys carried out, you can ensure that any ACMs in your building are identified and managed appropriately. This will help to protect the health and safety of anyone who uses or works in the building.

Why choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional asbestos survey company in Sussex that has extensive experience in managing and controlling the risks associated with asbestos. Our team of qualified surveyors can carry out both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to help you manage the presence of asbestos in your building.

We understand that managing asbestos can be a daunting task, but we are committed to providing affordable and reliable services to help you keep your building safe. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that our surveys are accurate and reliable, and we always provide clear and concise reports that are easy to understand.

If you need an asbestos survey in Sussex, contact us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with a free quote for our services.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are an essential part of managing the risks associated with asbestos exposure in buildings. If you own a property or are planning on demolishing or renovating a building in Sussex, it's important to understand the importance of asbestos surveys and how often they need to be carried out.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional asbestos survey company in Sussex that can help you manage the presence of asbestos in your building. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your building safe.