How Often is Asbestos Survey Required in Sussex?

Asbestos is a very hazardous material which was widely used as a building element in the past. This is because of its fire-resistance, durability and resistance to chemical damage. If you own a property in Sussex or plan to buy a property in Sussex, it is important to understand the risks of asbestos and how to manage them.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex. We provide asbestos survey services, asbestos management plans and asbestos register reports to help you understand the risks involved with asbestos and how to manage them. In this article, we will discuss how often an asbestos survey is required in Sussex, and why it is important to have one.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which has been used in building materials for decades, due to its durability and heat resistance. However, asbestos can be extremely dangerous if it becomes airborne, as the inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Containing asbestos is crucial to prevent any potential health threats. An asbestos survey is one way to identify what asbestos exists in a property so that any necessary management can be planned.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is essentially an inspection of a building to determine if there are any hazardous asbestos-containing materials present. The survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials, their location, and their state of management.

There are two different types of asbestos surveys:

• Management Survey: This is the standard survey which is carried out in order to determine if asbestos is present or not. This is especially important if you plan to refurbish or demolish a building. This survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during these operations so that necessary measures can be taken.

• Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: This survey is required before any building works are carried out, which may result in the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. It is typically more extensive than a management survey, and will involve destructive testing to access hidden areas.

Once the survey is completed, the report will include a detailed map of all the asbestos-containing materials which have been identified.

How Often Is An Asbestos Survey Required?

Asbestos surveys are required periodically and will depend on the type of property you own. This is because asbestos has the ability to deteriorate over time and become unsafe.

Heres a general guideline:

• For commercial properties, a management survey should be carried out every 2 years, while a refurbishment and demolition survey should be carried out before any major works are carried out.
• For industrial properties, an asbestos survey should be carried out every 12 months.
• For residential properties, generally, an asbestos survey is not required unless you are planning on carrying out any building works which may disturb asbestos-containing materials.

That being said, there may be certain conditions which might require you to have an asbestos survey carried out irrespectively of the property type. For example, if you suspect that a material may contain asbestos, you should have it surveyed to be on the safe side.

Why is it Important to Have an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are essential for a number of reasons:

• To protect your health and the health of your family, tenants or employees: Asbestos exposure can cause severe health risks, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, exposure to asbestos fibers can be fatal. It is important to identify any asbestos-containing materials in your building to have a plan of how to manage them safely.

• To comply with legal requirements: If you own or manage a property, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos-containing materials effectively. Failing to do so can result in significant financial and legal issues.

• To plan refurbishments and demolitions: An asbestos survey is required before any refurbishments or demolitions to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are handled safely by qualified professionals.

• To maintain an asbestos register: Once the asbestos survey is completed, the report will include a detailed map of all the asbestos-containing materials which have been identified. This is a crucial step in ensuring workplace safety for your staff and visitors.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Help?

If you require an asbestos survey in Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is here to help. Our team of experts has years of experience in performing asbestos surveys, asbestos management and asbestos removal services in Sussex and South East England.

We are a trusted and professional asbestos company in Sussex, fully accredited and insured to carry out any asbestos-related works required. We can offer competitive pricing, giving you peace of mind that you are getting the best value for money.

If you require an asbestos survey in Sussex, please contact us now on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. We are always here to help you with any queries and questions you may have. Our website is also available at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.