Is A Commercial Tenant Required To Conduct An Asbestos Survey In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction of buildings before it was found to be a significant health risk. Asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, when inhaled. As a result, it is now illegal to use asbestos in new buildings and renovation projects, and the substance must be safely removed from existing structures.

For commercial property owners and tenants in Sussex, understanding the regulations surrounding asbestos is essential. Asbestos can be found in many areas of older buildings, including ceiling tiles, insulation, and pipe coatings. Commercial tenants who are planning to conduct any work on their premises must ensure that they are not exposing themselves or others to this hazardous material.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a company that provides professional asbestos surveying and removal services across Sussex and the South East of England. In this landing page, we will explore the importance of asbestos surveys for commercial properties in Sussex, including whether or not they are a legal requirement.

Asbestos Surveys for Commercial Properties in Sussex

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive assessment that identifies the location, type, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. It aims to identify any potential risks to those who use or work in the building and provides recommendations for safe asbestos management.

Commercial property owners and tenants in Sussex are responsible for ensuring that their premises are asbestos-free to protect the health and safety of those who use or work in the building. An asbestos survey is, therefore, an important part of a property management plan.

Are Commercial Tenants Required to Conduct an Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

The simple answer is that there is no legal requirement for commercial tenants to conduct an asbestos survey in Sussex. However, this does not mean that tenants should neglect their responsibility to keep their premises safe.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR), commercial property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring that asbestos risks are managed effectively. This includes identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials and providing information to anyone who may come into contact with the material.

Asbestos surveys are an important mechanism for identifying and managing asbestos risks, and tenants should strongly consider conducting an asbestos survey when entering into a lease agreement. This is especially true if the property is older or has not been surveyed for asbestos in the past.

The Importance of Asbestos Surveys

There are several important reasons why a commercial tenant should conduct an asbestos survey when looking to lease commercial property in Sussex.

Legal Responsibility

As previously mentioned, commercial property owners and managers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos risks. If a tenant identifies asbestos on the property during construction or renovation works and fails to take appropriate action, they may be held liable for any harm caused.

Financial Liability

If a tenant is found liable for any asbestos-related harm, the financial consequences can be significant. This can include legal fees, compensation payments, and the cost of removing any asbestos-containing materials from the property.

Protecting Employees and Customers

Commercial tenants have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers. If asbestos-containing materials are found on the premises, appropriate measures must be taken to manage the risk and prevent exposure.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two types of asbestos surveys available for commercial properties in Sussex:

Management Survey

A management survey is an inspection that aims to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs within the property. The survey is non-intrusive and involves visual inspections, minor sampling, and risk assessments.

A management survey is required for all non-domestic properties that were built before the year 2000. The survey aims to identify any ACMs in the property and assess their condition to provide recommendations for safe management.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that must be carried out before any renovation or demolition works begin. The survey involves a detailed inspection and sampling of all potentially affected materials and requires access to all areas of the building.

This survey is required if any demolition or refurbishment work is planned on a building erected before the year 2000. The survey aims to identify all ACMs on the property and assess their condition before any work takes place.

Conclusion

While there is currently no legal requirement for commercial tenants to conduct an asbestos survey in Sussex, it is strongly recommended that they do so. Conducting an asbestos survey will not only help to ensure that the property is safe for employees and customers, but it will also protect the tenant from financial and legal liability.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide professional asbestos surveying and removal services across Sussex and the South East of England. Contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us on [email protected] to discuss your asbestos survey requirements.