Should Asbestos Survey Be Carried Out On Every Refurbishment In Sussex?

Asbestos has been widely used in the construction industry for decades. It is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for its strength, durability, and fire-resistant properties. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that asbestos can cause severe health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis when the fibers are breathed in.

As a result, the use of asbestos in buildings was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings constructed before this date, particularly those built in the 1960s and 1970s, still contain asbestos. Therefore, it is crucial to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building, so that appropriate measures can be taken to manage and remove them safely.

That's where asbestos surveys come in. An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building or property, carried out by qualified and experienced professionals, to identify any ACMs. These surveys are essential to help manage and control the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials.

In this article, we will discuss whether asbestos surveys should be carried out on every refurbishment in Sussex, and the importance of these surveys in managing the risk of asbestos exposure.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Sussex. We have extensive experience in asbestos surveying and management, and we are fully licensed and insured to carry out asbestos-related work.

We understand the importance of identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials, particularly in buildings that are being renovated or refurbished. That's why we offer comprehensive asbestos survey services that provide our clients with the information they need to work safely and effectively in buildings containing asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in the construction industry for their heat-resistance and durability. It was used to make a variety of products, such as insulation, roofing, and cement.

There are six types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most commonly used type in the UK.

Asbestos is composed of small, fibrous crystals that can be easily inhaled. When these fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs, causing damage that can lead to serious health problems.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building or property to identify any ACMs. These surveys are carried out by qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors, who will take samples of any suspected ACMs and analyze them in a laboratory.

The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify any potential sources of asbestos exposure in a building, and to provide guidance on how to manage and control the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

Management surveys are designed to identify any ACMs that might be present in a building that is currently in use. The purpose of these surveys is to assess the potential risks associated with any identified ACMs and to provide guidance on how to manage and control these risks.

The surveyor will inspect all areas of the building, including roof spaces, basements, and service ducts, to identify any potential sources of asbestos exposure. They will take samples of any suspected ACMs, which will be analyzed in a laboratory to confirm the presence of asbestos.

The results of the survey will be compiled in a detailed report, which will identify any ACMs and provide guidance on how to manage and control the risks associated with these materials.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more intrusive than management surveys, and are designed to identify any ACMs that might be present in a building that is about to be renovated or demolished.

The purpose of these surveys is to provide detailed information on the location, quantity, and condition of any ACMs, so that appropriate measures can be taken to manage and remove them safely.

The surveyor will inspect all areas of the building, including areas that will be impacted by the refurbishment or demolition work, to identify any potential sources of asbestos exposure. They will take samples of any suspected ACMs, which will be analyzed in a laboratory to confirm the presence of asbestos.

The results of the survey will be compiled in a detailed report, which will identify any ACMs and provide guidance on how to manage and control the risks associated with these materials during the refurbishment or demolition work.

The Importance of Asbestos Surveys in Managing Asbestos Risk

Asbestos surveys are an essential part of managing the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials. By identifying any ACMs, it is possible to put in place appropriate measures to manage and control these materials, reducing the risk of exposure and protecting the health of anyone who might come into contact with them.

In addition to protecting the health of building occupants, asbestos surveys are also vital for anyone carrying out work on a building that contains asbestos. By identifying the location and condition of any ACMs, it is possible to work safely and effectively, without risking exposure to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos in Buildings

Many properties built before the year 2000 contain asbestos-containing materials. This includes commercial and domestic properties throughout Sussex and South East England, including Brighton, Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Crawley, and Horsham.

The presence of asbestos in these properties means that anyone carrying out work on them could be at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, which can cause serious health problems.

Therefore, it is essential to carry out an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on these properties. This survey will identify any ACMs present in the building, providing guidance on how to manage and control the risks associated with these materials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to carry out asbestos surveys on every refurbishment in Sussex to ensure the safety of workers and occupants of buildings.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Sussex, with extensive experience in asbestos surveying and management. We offer comprehensive asbestos survey services that provide our clients with the information they need to work safely and effectively in buildings containing asbestos.

If you require an asbestos survey, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to find out more about our services.