What Does An Asbestos Survey Entail In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in construction, industrial, and manufacturing for its heat resistance and durability. However, the use of asbestos has been linked to various lung diseases and cancers, which is why its use is now banned in most countries. In the UK, asbestos was banned in 1999, but it is still present in many buildings that were constructed before then.

As a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your building is free from asbestos, and that is where an asbestos survey comes in. An asbestos survey is a comprehensive examination of a building to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In this article, we will discuss what an asbestos survey entails in Sussex, and why it is important.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex: Your Asbestos Survey Company In Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex with over 10 years of experience. We specialize in asbestos management, surveys, and removal, and offer our services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Sussex and the South East of England. Our team is made up of qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors who use the latest equipment and techniques to carry out surveys that are accurate, reliable, and affordable.

If you suspect that your building contains asbestos, or you need an asbestos survey for any other reason, simply give us a call on 01273 978238 or drop us an email at [email protected]. We will be happy to provide you with a free no-obligation quote and answer any questions you may have.

What Is Asbestos?

Before we delve into what an asbestos survey entails, it is important to understand what asbestos is. Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. Asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and other industries until the late 1990s when it was banned due to its health risks.

When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they release fine asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled into the lungs. These fibers can cause various lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, which is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs.

The Importance Of An Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey is an essential tool for property owners, managers, and contractors to identify, manage, and remove asbestos safely from their buildings. The presence of asbestos in a building does not necessarily pose an immediate threat to occupants, but it becomes hazardous when ACMs are disturbed or deteriorate over time.

An asbestos survey will help you:

• Identify the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building
• Assess the risk of asbestos exposure and the likelihood of airborne fibers being released
• Develop an asbestos management plan to prevent, monitor, and control the risk of exposure
• Comply with regulations and guidelines set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other authorities

Types Of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. The type of survey you need will depend on the type, condition, and use of your building, as well as your renovation or demolition plans.

Management Survey

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that is designed to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. A management survey does not involve destructive or intrusive inspection, but it may require some minor sampling to confirm the presence of asbestos.

A management survey will provide you with a comprehensive report that includes:

• The location, extent, and nature of any ACMs identified
• The condition of the ACMs and their likelihood of releasing fibers
• The risk of exposure and the recommended actions to manage or remove the ACMs
• A summary of the survey findings and a register of ACMs

A management survey is required if you own or manage a non-domestic building that was constructed before 2000, or if you suspect that ACMs may be present in your building.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey, also known as a full access survey, is a more intrusive survey that is carried out when a building is being refurbished or demolished. This type of survey is needed to identify all ACMs in a building, including those that may be hidden or inaccessible.

A refurbishment/demolition survey involves:

• Destructive and intrusive inspection, which may involve breaking through walls, ceilings, floors, and ducting
• Detailed sampling of suspected ACMs to confirm their presence and type
• Laboratory analysis of samples to determine the asbestos content and identify the type of asbestos fibers

A refurbishment/demolition survey will provide you with a report that includes:

• The location, extent, and nature of all ACMs identified, including those that are hidden or inaccessible
• The condition of the ACMs and their likelihood of releasing fibers
• The risk of exposure and the recommended actions to manage or remove the ACMs
• A summary of the survey findings and a register of ACMs

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required if you plan to refurbish or demolish a building that was constructed before 2000, or if you suspect that there are ACMs in your building that were not identified in a previous survey.

Materials That May Contain Asbestos

Asbestos may be found in a wide range of building materials that were used extensively in the past. Some of the most common materials that may contain asbestos include:

• Thermal insulation on heating or cooling pipes, boilers, and ducts
• Insulating board, such as asbestos cement or calcium silicate board
• Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls, and steelwork
• Textured coatings, such as Artex or Polytex
• Floor tiles, vinyl flooring, and adhesive
• Cement products, such as roof tiles or flue pipes
• Sealants and mastics used for sealing windows, doors, and joints
• Asbestos rope or cloth used for gaskets and packing

It is important to note that not all materials that look like asbestos contain asbestos. Only a licensed and qualified asbestos surveyor can confirm the presence of asbestos in your building.

Choosing A Qualified Asbestos Surveyor

An asbestos survey is a complex and specialized process that requires the skills and expertise of a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor. When choosing a surveyor, you should look for someone who:

• Is licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out asbestos surveys
• Has a good reputation and positive reviews from previous clients
• Uses the latest equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Can provide you with a comprehensive report that meets HSE guidelines
• Offers competitive prices and excellent customer service

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex meets all of these criteria and more. Our team of asbestos surveyors is licensed, qualified, and fully insured to carry out surveys of any size or complexity. We use the latest equipment, including thermal imaging cameras and drones, to ensure that we provide you with accurate and reliable results.

Contact Us For Your Asbestos Survey In Sussex

If you need an asbestos survey in Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is the company to call. We offer affordable, reliable, and high-quality asbestos survey services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Sussex and the South East of England. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your building is safe and free from asbestos, and we will work with you to develop a customized asbestos management plan that suits your needs and budget.

To learn more about our asbestos survey services, give us a call on 01273 978238 or drop us an email at [email protected]. Our friendly team will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free no-obligation quote. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to learn more about our services and read some of our testimonials.