What Area Must Asbestos Survey Cover in Sussex

Asbestos is a silent danger that is present in many buildings and properties, especially those built before the late 1980s. Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to serious health problems, so it is crucial to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials. This is where asbestos surveys come in.

Asbestos surveys are essential to assess the risk of asbestos exposure in buildings and properties. In Sussex, UK, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is one of the leading asbestos survey companies providing comprehensive asbestos surveying services. In this article, we will discuss what areas must an asbestos survey cover in Sussex.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction and building materials in the UK until the late 1980s. It was popular due to its durability, strength, and resistance to heat and fire. However, it was discovered that inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in various parts of a building or property, including the walls, roofs, insulation, flooring, ceilings, pipes, and boilers. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified six types of asbestos, including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building or property to identify any ACMs present. The survey aims to locate the ACMs, assess their condition, and determine their risk of releasing asbestos fibres into the air. The survey report will provide recommendations on how to manage or remove the ACMs to prevent exposure to asbestos.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: the management survey and the refurbishment/demolition survey. The management survey is required for all non-domestic properties built before 2000 to assess the risk of asbestos exposure to the occupants and visitors. The survey involves sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs and providing a management plan for their safe management or removal. The refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work on a building. The survey aims to identify all ACMs in the area of the proposed work and to ensure their removal before work begins.

What Areas Must an Asbestos Survey Cover in Sussex?

In Sussex, an asbestos survey must cover all areas of a building or property, including the exterior and interior spaces. The survey must be conducted by a UKAS-accredited asbestos survey company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, which has experience in identifying and managing ACMs.

The survey must cover all accessible areas of a building, including the roof spaces, services ducts, and voids. It should also include any areas that are inaccessible by visual inspection, such as behind panels and underneath floors. The surveyor may use borescopes, cameras, or other inspection tools to access these areas safely.

The survey should identify all ACMs present and their location, condition, and type. The survey should assess the risk of the ACMs to the building occupants, visitors, and workers. The survey report should include a management plan for the safe management or removal of the ACMs.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important for Property Owners in Sussex?

An asbestos survey is crucial for property owners in Sussex to ensure the safety and health of themselves, their family, and their tenants or occupants. It is also a legal requirement for non-domestic properties built before 2000. Property owners who fail to comply with the legal requirements may face prosecution, fines, and reputational damage.

An asbestos survey can also save property owners from unexpected expenses and disruptions. ACMs found during refurbishment or demolition work can cause delays, additional costs, and health and safety risks. By conducting an asbestos survey, property owners can plan for the safe management or removal of ACMs before any work begins.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems. Identifying and managing ACMs is crucial for the safety and health of building occupants, visitors, and workers. In Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a UKAS-accredited asbestos survey company that provides comprehensive asbestos surveying services. An asbestos survey must cover all accessible and inaccessible areas of a building or property to identify and assess ACMs' risk. Property owners in Sussex must comply with the legal requirements and conduct an asbestos survey to ensure their safety and health. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex on 01273 978238 for professional asbestos surveying services.