How Often Should You Have An Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was commonly used in construction materials until the 1980s. When disturbed or damaged, it can release tiny fibers into the air that, if breathed in, can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Because of this, it is essential that asbestos-containing materials are identified and managed properly.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a professional asbestos survey company in Sussex, South East England that has been serving commercial and residential clients for many years. In this article, we will explain why and when you may need an asbestos survey, and how often you should have one carried out to ensure the safety of your building and its occupants.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building or structure to determine whether or not asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) to have an asbestos survey carried out if you are responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises, such as a workplace, public building or school.

The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify whether there are any ACMs in the building, where they are located, and what condition they are in. There are two types of surveys:

1. Management Survey

This type of survey is undertaken during normal occupancy of a building to identify the presence, location, and condition of any ACMs that may be disturbed during normal occupancy of a building or during maintenance.

2. Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

This type of survey is required before any refurbishment, restoration, or demolition work is undertaken. It is a comprehensive survey that includes destructive inspection and access to all areas of a building. It is used to identify ACMs that may be disturbed by planned work and to ensure they are removed safely.

When Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you are a duty holder or responsible for the management or repair of non-domestic premises, you should consider whether asbestos is likely to be present in the building, and if so, arrange for an asbestos survey to be carried out.

You should also arrange for an asbestos survey if:

• You are planning any refurbishment or demolition work.
• You suspect that ACMs may be present in the building, based on age, history, or previous surveys.
• You have received advice from an accredited laboratory or the Health and Safety Executive that an asbestos survey is necessary.

How Often Should You Have an Asbestos Survey Carried Out?

The frequency of asbestos surveys will depend on several factors, including the type of building, its age, and its condition. As a general rule of thumb, a management survey should be carried out at least every two years, or when there is a change in the use or occupancy of a building.

If there are no ACMs present, a management survey is the only type of survey required. However, if ACMs are identified, you will need to have a refurbishment/demolition survey carried out before any building work takes place.

It is important to note that asbestos surveys are not a one-time event. The condition and location of ACMs can change over time, so it is essential that surveys are carried out regularly to ensure the continued safety of the building and its occupants.

What Happens During an Asbestos Survey?

During an asbestos survey, a qualified asbestos surveyor will:

• Inspect the building or structure
• Take samples of suspected ACMs for laboratory analysis
• Record the location, extent, and condition of any ACMs found
• Assess the risk of any ACMs present
• Provide a detailed report outlining the survey findings and recommendations.

If ACMs are identified, the survey report will include a risk assessment and recommendations for their management, including any required removal or repair work.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer professional asbestos survey services to help identify and manage ACMs in your building. We have a team of fully qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors who can carry out surveys for both management and refurbishment/demolition purposes.

Our comprehensive survey reports are tailored to meet your individual needs, and we provide detailed, clear recommendations for the safe management of any ACMs present. We pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and flexible approach, and we are committed to providing affordable and reliable services across Sussex and the South East of England.

Get in Touch

If you need an asbestos survey in Sussex, get in touch with Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today. You can call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your requirements and arrange a survey. You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information on our services and pricing.

Don't wait until it's too late - invest in the health and safety of your building and its occupants by arranging a professional asbestos survey today.