How Often Do You Need to Do an Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can be present in many buildings in Sussex, South East England. If you own or manage a property, it is essential to know how to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to comply with the law and protect your health and safety.

One of the first steps in managing asbestos is to conduct an asbestos survey, which is a visual inspection and sampling of suspected ACMs in your building. But how often do you need to do an asbestos survey in Sussex? In this article, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex, will explain the different types of asbestos surveys and when they are required.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are three types of asbestos surveys according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance:

• Asbestos Management Survey: This is the most common type of asbestos survey and is required for all non-domestic buildings built before the year 2000. Its purpose is to locate, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs that might be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. The survey provides a record of where the ACMs are, what type they are, and their condition. Based on the survey results, a management plan and asbestos register must be produced, which set out how the ACMs will be managed to prevent or reduce exposure to asbestos fibres.

• Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: This type of survey is required before refurbishing or demolishing part or all of a building, and for new buildings that will be built on a site where there is a risk of asbestos contamination. The survey aims to locate all ACMs in the area where the work will be carried out, assess their condition, and recommend safe ways to remove or encapsulate them before work begins.

• Asbestos Demolition Survey: This is a more intrusive type of survey required when a building is going to be completely demolished. It aims to find all ACMs in the building, including those hidden behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings, and assess their condition. The survey report must be supplied to the contractor responsible for the demolition to ensure that all asbestos materials are safely removed before the building is demolished.

When Do You Need to Do an Asbestos Survey?

The need for an asbestos survey depends on the type of the building, the age of the building, and the type of work that will be carried out:

• Non-Domestic Buildings Built Before 2000: All non-domestic buildings built before 2000 must have an asbestos management survey carried out to identify and manage any ACMs that might be disturbed during normal maintenance, repair, or other activities. The survey must be reviewed and updated regularly, or when changes occur that could affect the ACMs.

• Domestic Buildings: Asbestos management surveys are not normally required for domestic buildings, but they may be necessary if the building is shared with others or will be rented out. The survey must be carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor to identify any ACMs that might pose a risk to the occupants or visitors of the building.

• Refurbishment or Demolition: An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. The survey must be carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor who can locate and assess all ACMs in the area where the work will be carried out. If the survey reveals the presence of ACMs, these must be removed or encapsulated before work begins.

• New Buildings: If a new building is planned to be developed on a site where there is a risk of asbestos contamination, an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey must be carried out before any work begins. The survey will identify any ACMs that might be disturbed during construction and recommend how to deal with them.

• Demolition: An asbestos demolition survey must be carried out before a building is demolished to identify and assess all ACMs, including those hidden within the structure. The survey report must be supplied to the demolition contractor to ensure that all ACMs are removed or encapsulated before the building is demolished.

How Often Do You Need to Review and Update Your Asbestos Survey?

Once you have an asbestos survey, you need to review and update it regularly to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant. The HSE recommends that you review your asbestos survey every 12 months or if any changes occur that could affect the ACMs, such as:

• Maintenance or repair work that could damage or disturb the ACMs
• Removal or encapsulation of the ACMs
• Changes in the building layout or use
• Changes in the staff or tenant population
• Accidental damage to the ACMs

The asbestos management plan and register must also be updated accordingly to reflect any changes to the ACMs, their condition, and the management arrangements. The purpose of these documents is to provide a clear and concise record of your asbestos management activities, so they must be accurate and up-to-date.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Help You with Your Asbestos Survey?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed and insured asbestos survey company in Sussex that can provide you with a complete asbestos management service, from surveying and sampling to management planning and removal. We have a team of qualified and experienced surveyors who can carry out all types of asbestos surveys in Sussex, South East England, and provide you with a detailed report, including an asbestos register and management plan.

We understand that managing asbestos can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the regulations and procedures. That's why we offer a comprehensive service that takes care of everything on your behalf, so you can focus on your core activities. We also offer competitive prices and free quotes, so you can have peace of mind that you are getting a quality service at an affordable cost.

If you need an asbestos survey in Sussex or have any questions about asbestos management, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. Our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, contains more information about our services and customer reviews, so you can see why we are the right choice for your asbestos needs.