How Often Should I Have an Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

Asbestos is a dangerous and harmful material that was commonly used in buildings and structures up until the late 20th century. Its usage has since been banned due to its link to lung cancer and other health hazards. However, buildings constructed before the ban may still contain asbestos, so it is essential for property owners and managers to know how often they should have an asbestos survey.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex that has helped countless property owners and managers identify and manage asbestos risks. In this article, we will delve into the topic of asbestos and the factors that determine how often you need an asbestos survey in Sussex.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. Its properties, such as heat resistance and durability, made it an attractive material for use in construction and various industries. The problem is that when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release tiny fibers into the air that can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos-related diseases usually take decades to develop, and symptoms may not appear until it is too late to treat them. So it is extremely important to identify and manage asbestos risks proactively.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or structure to identify the presence, location, type, and condition of ACMs. The surveyor will take samples of suspected materials, which will be analyzed by a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos.

Asbestos surveys are critical for building owners and managers to comply with legal requirements, protect their occupants' health, and ensure that they do not face legal or financial consequences due to asbestos.

How Often Should I Have an Asbestos Survey?

The frequency of an asbestos survey depends on several factors, such as the age and condition of the building, its usage, and any changes that may have occurred. In general, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends conducting a management survey to identify ACMs and assess their condition every few years, or whenever there is a significant change to the building or its use.

A management survey is the most common type of asbestos survey, and it is intended to locate and assess the condition of ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during normal activities. It is not designed to identify every single ACM in the building but rather to provide information for an asbestos management plan.

If your building is about to undergo major refurbishment or demolition, a refurbishment/demolition survey is necessary to locate and identify all ACMs in the affected areas. This type of survey involves destructive inspection and sampling, and it must be carried out before any work begins.

Why Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?

There are several reasons why you may need an asbestos survey:

Legal Compliance

Asbestos is a highly regulated substance in the UK, and failure to comply with the regulations can result in legal and financial consequences. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, all non-domestic buildings must have an asbestos survey, and the results must be included in an asbestos management plan.

Protect Occupants' Health

The main reason for conducting an asbestos survey is to protect the health of your building's occupants. If ACMs are not managed properly, they can release fibers into the air that can be inhaled and cause asbestos-related diseases. By identifying and managing ACMs, you can reduce the risk of exposure and ensure that your occupants are safe.

Investment Protection

Asbestos can negatively impact the value of a property, and potential buyers or tenants may be deterred by the presence of ACMs. By conducting regular asbestos surveys and managing ACMs, you can ensure that your property retains its value and appeal.

How Can Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Help?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of asbestos surveys and the risks associated with ACMs. That's why we provide comprehensive asbestos survey services in Sussex and the South East England region.

Our experienced surveyors use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to identify and assess ACMs in buildings of any age and condition. We provide detailed reports and asbestos management plans that comply with legal requirements and help you manage ACMs effectively.

We also offer asbestos removal and encapsulation services to safely and efficiently manage and remove ACMs from your property.

Contact Us Today

If you're unsure about how often you need an asbestos survey or need help managing ACMs in your building, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is here to help. Contact us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a survey or discuss your needs. Visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, for more information about our services and to request a quote.