How Often Should An Asbestos Survey Be Done in Sussex?

If you live or work in a building that was constructed before 2000, there is a high chance that asbestos was used somewhere in its construction. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was once popular for its insulation and fire-resistant properties. However, it has been banned in the UK since 1999 due to the health risks it poses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

If asbestos is present in a building, it must be safely removed or managed to prevent exposure to the dangerous fibres. This is where asbestos surveys come in. An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess their condition. The results of the survey are then used to determine the best course of action for managing or removing the asbestos.

As a responsible building owner or manager in Sussex, it's important to understand how often an asbestos survey should be done. This article will discuss the factors that determine the frequency of asbestos surveys and explain how Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can help with your asbestos management.

Why is Asbestos Surveying Important for Building and Property Management?

Asbestos surveying is essential for building and property management because it allows for the safe management and removal of ACMs when necessary. Asbestos is generally not dangerous when it is intact and undisturbed, as the fibres are not released into the air. However, if ACMs become damaged or deteriorated, they can release dangerous fibres that can be inhaled by building occupants.

An asbestos survey is the only way to accurately identify the location and condition of ACMs in a building. Without a survey, it's impossible to know if there are any hidden or undiscovered ACMs that could pose a risk to building occupants. Therefore, regular asbestos surveys should be conducted to ensure that ACMs are being safely managed or removed.

How Often Should an Asbestos Survey be Done in Sussex?

There is no set frequency for asbestos surveys, as the need for a survey depends on various factors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that asbestos surveys be conducted at least every two years for buildings that are being used and have not had any previous surveys. However, the specific frequency of surveys can vary based on the following factors:

Building Type and Use

Different types of buildings may have different requirements for asbestos surveys. For example, industrial buildings may contain more ACMs than residential buildings, so they may require more frequent surveys. Additionally, buildings that are frequently renovated or have high levels of traffic may require more frequent surveys than those that are rarely used.

Building Age and Construction

The age and construction of a building can also affect the frequency of asbestos surveys. Buildings constructed before 2000 are more likely to contain ACMs, so they may require more frequent surveys. Additionally, the type of construction materials used in the building can affect the likelihood of ACMs being present.

Previous Survey Results

If a building has had previous asbestos surveys, the results should be reviewed to determine the need for further surveys. If no ACMs were found in previous surveys, it may be unnecessary to conduct another survey until there are changes to the building or its use. However, if ACMs were found, more frequent surveys may be required to monitor their condition.

Asbestos Management Plan

As part of asbestos management, an asbestos management plan should be created and maintained for a building. The plan outlines how ACMs in the building will be safely managed or removed, and should be kept up to date with the latest survey results. The frequency of asbestos surveys can be determined by the requirements outlined in the management plan.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

In addition to regular surveys, there are certain situations where an asbestos survey is required by law. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require an asbestos survey to be conducted for any non-domestic building constructed before 2000, prior to any demolition or major refurbishment work. This is known as a demolition/refurbishment survey and is used to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed during the work.

If no refurbishment or demolition work is planned, a management survey should be conducted. This type of survey is used to locate and assess the condition of all ACMs in the building, and is required to be conducted at least every two years.

How Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Can Help

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are experts in asbestos management and removal. Our team of licensed professionals can conduct thorough asbestos surveys to identify any ACMs in your building and create an asbestos management plan to ensure their safe management or removal. We use state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions to our clients.

If you need an asbestos survey or management plan in Sussex or the South East of England, contact us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to learn more about our services and to request a quote.