How Often Does An Asbestos Survey Need Conducting in Sussex?

Are you a property owner or manager based in Sussex, South East England? If so, it's essential to understand the importance of asbestos surveys and their frequency. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in building construction until the 1980s. It is known to be highly dangerous and can cause severe diseases, including cancer.

Asbestos can be found in many different building materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, roofing, flooring, and walls. If a property has an asbestos-containing material (ACM), the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne increases with time, which makes asbestos surveys a necessary consideration for building management or demolition purposes. Without proper management, workers and occupants can unknowingly inhale dangerous fibres.

As a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex has put together this informative guide to answer some of the most asked question:

• How often do asbestos surveys need conducting in Sussex?
• What happens during an asbestos survey in Sussex?
• Do I need an asbestos survey for my building in Sussex?

When to Conduct an Asbestos Survey

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 covers the management of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within non-domestic property, including commercial buildings, industrial sites, and public buildings. It specifies that asbestos surveys are required to identify the location and condition of any ACMs.

The regulation outlines that the responsibility for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises falls with the "Duty Holder," which can include property owners, employers, and building managers. The regulation requires the Duty Holder to manage asbestos either by conducting an asbestos survey or presuming that asbestos is present and managing the risk.

Asbestos surveys need to be conducted regularly to ensure that any ACMs remain in a safe condition. The duration between surveys depends on the type of survey conducted and the condition of the building materials. The typical duration between surveys is:

• Management Survey: Every twelve months, if ACMs are present.

• Refurbishment or Demolition Survey (R&D survey): Before any work on the building is undertaken.

• Re-inspection Survey: Every six to twelve months, depending on the condition of the ACMs.

What Happens During an Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

A qualified and accredited asbestos surveyor carries out asbestos surveys. Asbestos surveyors are not only skilled in identifying ACMs but also in evaluating their condition and determining the risk they pose to anyone who might disturb them.

Asbestos surveys are necessary to provide information to the Duty Holder, allowing them to make informed decisions about the asbestos-containing material if it needs to be removed or managed. The surveyor inspects the entire building, including voids, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and service ducts.

The surveyor will mark up a floor plan and return it to the office to produce a report. The document must include details of identified asbestos-containing material, their condition, accessibility, location, and extent. The report will also include a risk assessment and any recommendations about managing or removing asbestos-containing materials.

Do I Need an Asbestos Survey for my Building in Sussex?

If you own, lease, or manage a commercial, industrial, or public building, you are responsible for managing asbestos within your premises. The only instance where an asbestos survey is not required is when the building was built and occupied before 1999.

Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement for commercial, industrial, or public buildings. If the Duty Holder is unsure whether a building contains ACMs, he or she can take specific measures to assume the presence of asbestos and carry out risk assessment.

Here is how to comply with the regulations for non-domestic premises:

1. Determine if your property contains ACMs

If you're unsure if your property contains asbestos, it's best to assume that it does unless you can prove it doesn't. In this instance, a management survey is required to identify the location, condition, and extent of ACMs in your building.

2. Develop and implement an asbestos management plan

An asbestos management plan is a document that outlines the location and condition of identified ACMs in the building. It must include details of the measures taken to manage asbestos-containing materials.

The plan must also include a risk assessment, detailing how the Duty Holder will reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos-containing materials. Ideally, the plan should be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

3. Provide asbestos awareness training to employees

It's important to educate employees working within the premises to spot ACMs and avoid disturbing them. Training must be provided to all employees likely to come into contact with ACMs in their work, including maintenance, cleaning, and construction workers.

There you have it, a brief overview of the importance of asbestos surveys and the regulations surrounding managing ACMs in non-domestic premises. As a Duty Holder, it is your responsibility to ensure that people are not exposed to harmful Asbestos fibres within your premises.

If you need an asbestos survey conducted in Sussex or have any questions about asbestos surveying or removal, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. We're a top-rated asbestos survey company in Sussex, available to help you with your needs. You can call us on 01273 978238, send us an email at [email protected], or visit our website affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.