How Often Do I Need To Do An Asbestos Survey In Sussex

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. The fibrous material was used for its insulating and fire-retardant properties. Although it was banned in 2000, asbestos is still present in many buildings. It is estimated that up to 50% of all buildings in the UK contain asbestos, which can be a significant health hazard if not correctly managed.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are an asbestos survey company in Sussex. We provide surveys and management plans to help property owners comply with asbestos regulations and protect the health and safety of occupants. Asbestos surveys are a crucial component of managing asbestos.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that has been used in many building materials. Its durability and insulating properties made it a popular material for building insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing. Asbestos was a popular building material until the 1980s when its health risks became known.

Asbestos is present in many building materials such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and wall cladding. If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they can release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can easily be inhaled and cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building or property to identify the presence, type, and condition of asbestos-containing materials. The survey will identify the location, condition, and extent of ACMs in a building. The survey report will also include recommendations for managing and removing asbestos if necessary.

An asbestos survey is necessary for any building built before the year 2000. It is an essential component of asbestos management and complying with health and safety regulations. An asbestos survey will provide a baseline for managing asbestos and identify any areas of high risk.

Types of asbestos surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys.

Management survey

A management survey is the standard asbestos survey. It is designed to identify the presence, type, and condition of asbestos-containing materials. The survey will identify any ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of the building.

A management survey is required for any non-domestic property built before the year 2000. This includes commercial premises, industrial buildings, and public buildings such as schools and hospitals. The survey must be conducted by a competent person who has the necessary accreditation and training.

Refurbishment and demolition survey

A refurbishment and demolition survey are required before any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken. The survey will identify all ACMs within the building, including those that may be hidden or inaccessible.

A refurbishment and demolition survey is necessary to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are identified and safely removed before any work commences. The survey must be conducted by a competent person who has the necessary accreditation and training.

How often do I need to do an asbestos survey?

The frequency of asbestos surveys will depend on several factors, including the age, condition, and usage of the building. As a general rule, a management survey should be carried out at least once every two years or whenever there is a change in the condition or use of the building.

If the building is undergoing major refurbishment or demolition work, a refurbishment and demolition survey should be carried out before any work commences.

Asbestos Management Plan

An asbestos management plan is a legal requirement for any building that contains asbestos-containing materials. The plan outlines how the asbestos in the building will be managed safely. The plan should include:

• The location and condition of the asbestos-containing materials in the building
• A risk assessment of the asbestos-containing materials
• The management procedures for dealing with asbestos-containing materials
• Regular monitoring and re-inspection of the asbestos-containing materials
• Emergency procedures in case of accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials

The asbestos management plan must be reviewed and updated regularly, at least once every six months.

Why do I need an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is important for managing the health and safety risks associated with asbestos. It is a legal requirement for any building built before the year 2000 to have an asbestos survey. The survey will provide a baseline for managing the asbestos in the building and identify any areas of high risk.

Asbestos is a significant health hazard, and exposure to fibers can cause serious health problems. An asbestos survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be a risk of exposure to occupants of the building. It will also provide recommendations for managing and removing the asbestos if necessary.

Contact Us

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are an asbestos survey company in Sussex. We provide comprehensive asbestos surveys and management plans to help property owners comply with regulations and protect the health and safety of occupants. If you need an asbestos survey or management plan, please give us a call on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.