When Do I Need An Asbestos Survey In Sussex?

If you live in Sussex or South East England and you own a property, you might be wondering whether you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction industry in the UK until the 1980s, and it can still be found in many buildings today.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional asbestos survey company that provides a range of services to help property owners identify and manage asbestos risks. In this article, we will discuss when you need an asbestos survey in Sussex and why it is important.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry from the 1940s until the 1980s. It was used for its insulating properties, fire resistance, and durability. Asbestos can be found in many different products, including insulation, ceilings, walls, and flooring.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if it is not managed properly. Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. This is why it is important to identify and manage asbestos risks in buildings.

Domestic and Non-Domestic Properties

If you own a property in Sussex or South East England, you might need an asbestos survey depending on whether it is a domestic or non-domestic property.

Domestic properties are typically private residences, such as houses, flats, or bungalows. Non-domestic properties are commercial or industrial buildings, such as offices, factories, warehouses, or shops.

Duty to Manage Asbestos

If you own or manage a non-domestic property, you have a legal duty to manage asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This means that you need to identify whether there is asbestos in the building, assess the risks it poses, and implement a plan to manage those risks.

A duty to manage asbestos survey can help you meet your legal obligations and ensure that your building is safe. This type of survey identifies the presence of asbestos, assesses the risks it poses, and provides recommendations for managing the asbestos.

Properties Built Before 2000

If your property in Sussex was built before the year 2000, it is likely to contain asbestos materials. This is because asbestos was widely used in construction until it was banned in the UK in 1999.

If you are planning to undertake any renovation or demolition works on a property built before 2000, you will need to identify whether there is asbestos present. Asbestos materials can be easily disturbed during works, releasing dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.

An asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey can help you identify any asbestos materials that need to be removed before works can commence. This type of survey is more intrusive than a management survey and involves sampling and testing of suspect materials.

Commercial Properties

If you own or manage a commercial property in Sussex or South East England, you might also need an asbestos survey. This could include offices, factories, warehouses, or shops.

A commercial asbestos survey can help you identify the presence of asbestos in the building and assess the risks it poses. This type of survey is similar to a duty to manage survey, but it includes a more comprehensive inspection of the building.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

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

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that is designed to identify the presence of asbestos materials in a building. This type of survey is suitable for properties that are in good condition and are not undergoing any renovation or demolition works.

A refurbishment and demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is designed to identify any asbestos materials that need to be removed before works can commence. This type of survey is suitable for properties that are undergoing renovation or demolition works.

Asbestos Testing

If an asbestos survey identifies the presence of asbestos in your property, you might also need asbestos testing. Asbestos testing involves sampling and testing suspect materials to confirm whether they contain asbestos.

Asbestos testing can help you identify the type and condition of asbestos present, which is important for determining the risks it poses and how it should be managed or removed.

Reasons to Get an Asbestos Survey

There are several reasons why you might need an asbestos survey in Sussex or South East England:

• You are planning to buy or sell a property and need to identify any asbestos risks
• You are planning to undertake renovation or demolition works on a property built before 2000
• You are the owner or manager of a non-domestic property and have a legal duty to manage asbestos
• You suspect that asbestos might be present in your property and want to assess the risks it poses

Asbestos Survey Report and Packs

After an asbestos survey has been completed, you will receive a report that provides details of any asbestos found in the property, the condition of the materials, and any recommended actions.

If you need to manage or remove asbestos materials, you might also need an asbestos pack. An asbestos pack provides detailed information and guidance on how to manage or remove asbestos safely and in accordance with current regulations.

Contact Us

If you need an asbestos survey in Sussex or South East England, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today. Our experienced and qualified asbestos surveyors can help you identify and manage asbestos risks in your property.

Call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information about our asbestos survey services.