How Often Is An Asbestos Survey Required In Sussex?

Asbestos is a harmful material that was widely used in construction during the 20th century. It was a popular choice due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was discovered that asbestos fibres, when inhaled, can cause serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. For this reason, the UK government banned the importation and use of asbestos in 1999.

If you own a property in Sussex or anywhere in the UK that was built before 2000, there is a chance that it contains asbestos. It is estimated that around half a million non-domestic buildings in the UK still contain asbestos. You may wonder how often you need to carry out an asbestos survey, and what it entails. In this landing page, we will answer these questions and provide more information about asbestos surveys in Sussex.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a property to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It is a legal requirement for non-domestic properties built before 2000 to have an asbestos survey. A domestic property owner is not legally obliged to have a survey, but if you are planning to carry out significant renovation work, it is advisable to have an asbestos survey.

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

Asbestos management survey

An asbestos management survey is a standard survey that is conducted in non-domestic buildings to identify:

• The presence, location, and extent of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
• The condition of the ACMs
• The likelihood of the ACMs being damaged
• The recommended course of action to manage the ACMs

Asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey

An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is conducted before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. This type of survey is more intrusive than a management survey as it involves damaging or disturbing ACMs to assess their condition. The survey team will take samples of any suspect materials and test them in a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos. The survey report will provide recommendations for the safe removal of any ACMs before the work can commence.

How often should you carry out an asbestos survey in Sussex?

Once an asbestos survey has been carried out, it is valid for a maximum of three years. However, this is not a hard and fast rule as there are variables to consider, such as the condition of the building, the type of ACMs identified, and the usage of the building.

If you own a non-domestic property in Sussex, you should review your asbestos survey report annually and update it if there are any changes to the building's structure or occupancy. For example, if you install new equipment or change the layout of the building, this may introduce new ACMs or affect the condition of existing ACMs.

Similarly, if you own a domestic property in Sussex and have had an asbestos survey, you should review the report annually and update it if you have carried out any significant renovation work.

Why is an asbestos survey important?

An asbestos survey is not just a legal requirement; it is a crucial step in protecting your health and that of your employees, tenants, or family members. If asbestos fibres are released into the air, they can be inhaled and cause serious lung diseases.

An asbestos management survey will identify the presence of ACMs and provide recommendations for their safe management. This may include removing the ACMs if they are damaged or in poor condition, or sealing them if they are in a good condition to prevent any damage or disturbance.

An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey will identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the removal, renovation, or demolition work. The survey report will recommend the safe removal of any ACMs before the work can commence.

How much does an asbestos survey cost?

The cost of an asbestos survey in Sussex will vary depending on the type of survey, the size of the property, and the number of samples taken. An asbestos management survey for a small office or shop may cost around 300 to 500, while a larger industrial building may cost 2,000 to 5,000.

An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is typically more expensive than a management survey, as it is more intrusive and involves laboratory testing. The cost of this survey will also depend on the size of the property and the number of samples taken.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer competitive prices for our asbestos survey services. Our team of experienced surveyors will conduct a thorough inspection of your property and provide you with a detailed report containing our recommendations for managing or removing any ACMs.

Why choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Sussex, South East England. We pride ourselves on providing prompt, efficient, and affordable services to our clients. Our team of asbestos surveyors are fully trained and qualified in accordance with the latest health and safety regulations.

We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that our surveys are accurate and comprehensive. We understand that managing asbestos can be a daunting task, so we are always on hand to offer advice and support to our clients.

Contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to book your asbestos survey in Sussex. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.