What Is The Purpose Of An Asbestos Survey In Sussex

If you live in Sussex, South East England, you may not know that your property contains asbestos. Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was widely used in construction materials such as ceiling and floor tiles, roofing shingles, insulation, and cement. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is essential to have an asbestos survey done for your property to ensure that you are not exposed to harmful asbestos fibers.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a professional asbestos survey company in Sussex that provides reliable and affordable asbestos survey solutions to homeowners and businesses in the area. Our commitment to quality and safety is second to none, and we guarantee to detect and manage any asbestos-containing materials during our survey inspections.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that have a fibrous structure. They were commonly used in construction and manufacturing due to their many unique properties, such as heat resistance, sound insulation, and durability. Asbestos fibers are very small and, when inhaled, can cause significant health problems. Asbestos exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos was finally banned in the UK in 1999, but any structures built before this time might still have asbestos-containing materials.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property to identify the presence or absence of any asbestos-containing materials. The survey is carried out by a competent person, and the results are recorded in a detailed report. The report will provide information on the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials found.

There are two types of asbestos surveys, namely; management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey.

1. Management Survey

A management survey is the most common type of survey and is carried out to identify any materials containing asbestos that might be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or general use of a building. It is also known as a standard asbestos survey.

The surveyor will inspect accessible areas of your property, such as ceilings, walls, floors, and heating systems, and take samples for laboratory analysis. Once the analysis is complete, the inspector will provide a report indicating the presence of asbestos-containing materials and their risk of exposure.

2. Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is carried out before renovation work, demolition, or stripping out of a building. It is also known as a pre-demolition asbestos survey. The survey aims to identify all materials containing asbestos within the building, not just those that can be easily accessed.

The surveyor will inspect all areas of the building, including areas that might not have been previously inspected, such as voids, lofts, and basements. The surveyor will also take samples for analysis from all possible asbestos-containing materials.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is more intrusive than a management survey since it involves disturbing the areas to inspect more thoroughly to dismantle the structure. Due to this, the property owner must vacate the area during the survey.

Why Do You Need An Asbestos Survey?

If your property was built before 2000, it is likely that there are asbestos-containing materials present. An asbestos survey will identify whether asbestos-containing materials exist and, if so, their location and condition. This information is critical for managing exposure to asbestos fibers to avoid any potential health risks.

An asbestos survey is also required by law. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires building owners to manage the risk from asbestos in non-domestic premises.

The Benefits of An Asbestos Survey

An asbestos survey has many benefits, including:

1. Identify Asbestos-Containing Materials

An asbestos survey will identify the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials within your property. This information is critical for managing exposure to asbestos and reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.

2. Ensure Compliance

An asbestos survey is a legal requirement, and compliance ensures that your property is safe for occupants and visitors.

3. Facilitate Property Management

Identification of asbestos-containing materials within your property enables proper management of these materials, ensuring the safety of occupants and protecting the value of the property.

4. Saves Costs

An asbestos survey can save you money by preventing lengthy asbestos removal procedures, which are often more expensive than conducting surveys.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of managing and removing asbestos safely. Our surveys are comprehensive and carried out by competent and experienced surveyors. We take pride in providing affordable asbestos survey services to Sussex property owners, ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

Our survey reports are easy to understand, and we take the time to explain our findings to our clients. We also provide recommendations on how to manage any asbestos-containing materials found in your property.

Contact us today on 01273 978238, or email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist you with any questions or queries. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to learn more about our asbestos survey solutions.