When Do I Need An Asbestos Refurbishment Survey In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used in building construction until the early 2000s due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos poses significant health risks to people, particularly when the fibers are released into the air and inhaled.

Asbestos can be found in various forms, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, and cement. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, any building constructed before the year 2000 may contain asbestos materials. Therefore, it is essential to identify and manage asbestos when refurbishing or demolishing any building in Sussex, South East England.

In this article, we will discuss asbestos, its potential risks, and when you may need an asbestos refurbishment survey in Sussex. Additionally, we will talk about Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, a reliable asbestos survey company in Sussex.

What Is Asbestos?

As asbestos is naturally occurring, it is a collective term for six fibrous minerals that have been used in the construction industry since the early 1900s. The six minerals include chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.

Asbestos was known for its durability, strength, and resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. It was used extensively in construction materials, such as:

• Insulation materials for pipes, boilers, and ducts
• Ceiling tiles, wallboards, and plaster
• Roofing materials, felts, and shingles
• Vinyl tiles and flooring
• Cement compounds

However, asbestos is hazardous to human health, particularly when the fibers are released and inhaled. Asbestos fibers are tiny and can remain airborne for a long time, making them potential health hazards. When inhaled, these fibers can penetrate the body's tissues and cause various health problems.

Potential Risks Of Asbestos

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become trapped in the body's tissues, resulting in long-term health problems. The following are potential health risks of asbestos exposure:

• Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and it can take between 20-50 years to develop after exposure.
• Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a lung disease that develops when asbestos fibers scar the lungs' tissue, causing difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
• Lung cancer: Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer and other types of lung diseases.
• Pleural thickening: Pleural thickening is the thickening of the membrane lining the lungs and chest wall, which can result in difficulty breathing and chest pains.

Due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it is essential to identify and manage asbestos when refurbishing or demolishing any building.

When Do I Need An Asbestos Refurbishment Survey in Sussex?

An asbestos refurbishment survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that require removal or management. An asbestos survey is required for all buildings constructed before the year 2000.

Asbestos refurbishment surveys are required if you intend to:

• Refurbish or renovate a building
• Demolish a building
• Carry out maintenance work on the building that could disturb ACMs.

The asbestos refurbishment survey is intrusive and seeks to identify all ACMs present within the building. The asbestos survey report provides a detailed description of all ACMs found, their location, condition, and recommendations on how to manage or remove them.

It is important to note that you should not carry out any refurbishment or maintenance work until you have the survey report, and all ACMs have been removed or managed as per the report's recommendations.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a reputable, independent asbestos survey company operating in Sussex, South East England. Our team of experienced and licensed surveyors provides clients with comprehensive asbestos surveys to identify and manage ACMs in buildings.

We offer:

• Refurbishment and demolition surveys: We can provide you with a comprehensive asbestos survey report that identifies all ACMs in your building, including their location and condition, and recommendations for removal or management.
• Management surveys: We can provide regular asbestos management surveys, which involve the inspection of all ACMs in a building to ensure they are in good condition and are being adequately managed.
• Asbestos removal services: If ACMs require removal, we provide removal services that follow all UK asbestos regulations and industry best practices.

We are a licensed asbestos company and have all the necessary qualifications, training, and expertise to deliver safe and reliable asbestos survey solutions.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses severe health risks when disturbed, particularly during refurbishment, renovation, or demolition work. Any building constructed before the year 2000 may contain asbestos materials, and it is essential to identify and manage them when carrying out any work on the building.

An asbestos refurbishment survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building to identify any ACMs present, their location, condition, and recommendations on how to manage or remove them. If you require an asbestos refurbishment survey in Sussex, South East England, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today.

Our experienced and licensed surveyors provide comprehensive asbestos surveys, asbestos removal services, and asbestos management surveys, ensuring our clients comply with UK asbestos regulations and industry best practices.

Contact us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to learn more about our asbestos services.