When Do You Need An R & D Asbestos Survey In Sussex?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s when its harmful health effects were discovered. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a result, the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries, including the UK.

However, many buildings constructed before the ban still contain asbestos. It is estimated that around 50% of buildings in the UK still contain asbestos in some form. This means that if you own or manage a building in Sussex, there is a good chance that it contains asbestos.

If you are planning to do any building work or refurbishment, it is important to have an asbestos survey carried out to determine whether there is asbestos present in your building. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you may need an R & D asbestos survey in Sussex and what to expect from the survey process.

What is an R & D Asbestos Survey?

An R & D asbestos survey is a thorough assessment of a building to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be present. The survey is usually carried out by a specialist asbestos survey company in Sussex, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex.

The survey involves an inspection of all accessible areas of the building, including ceilings, walls, floors, and services such as pipes and ducting. Samples of suspected ACMs may be taken for laboratory analysis. The survey report will detail the location, type, extent, and condition of any ACMs found.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

An asbestos survey is required if you are planning to do any building work or refurbishment that may disturb ACMs. The survey will identify any ACMs present and determine whether they need to be removed or managed before the work can be carried out.

Asbestos surveys are also required under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 if you own or manage a non-domestic property, such as a commercial building, public building, or industrial premises. The regulations require you to manage any asbestos in the building to ensure that it does not pose a risk to those who use the building.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey for Refurbishment and Demolition Work?

When planning refurbishment or demolition work, it is important to identify any ACMs present in the building. Disturbing ACMs can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and pose a risk to health.

If ACMs are found during an asbestos survey for refurbishment or demolition work, they will need to be removed or managed before work can commence. Failure to do so can lead to serious health risks for those carrying out the work and others who may be exposed to asbestos fibers.

What is the Duty to Manage Asbestos?

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, if you own or manage a non-domestic property, you have a duty to manage any asbestos in the building. This duty includes:

• Finding out whether asbestos is present in the building and where it is located
• Making and keeping up-to-date records of the location and condition of any asbestos in the building
• Assessing the risk of anyone being exposed to asbestos fibers
• Preparing a plan to manage the risk and protect anyone who may be exposed to asbestos fibers
• Monitoring and reviewing the plan and the asbestos materials on a regular basis

An asbestos survey is an essential part of fulfilling your duty to manage asbestos. The survey will identify any asbestos present in the building and enable you to put in place measures to manage the risk.

Blocks Likely to Contain Asbestos in Sussex

Blocks built before the ban on asbestos are likely to contain ACMs. This includes:

• Residential blocks of flats
• Commercial office blocks
• Industrial units
• Public buildings such as schools and hospitals

Sussex is located in the South East of England, an area with a high density of asbestos-containing buildings. This means that if you own or manage a building in Sussex, it is important to have an asbestos survey carried out to ensure that any ACMs present are identified and managed appropriately.

Conclusion

An asbestos survey is an essential part of managing the risk of asbestos in buildings. If you are planning any building work or refurbishment, or if you own or manage a non-domestic property, you have a duty to manage any asbestos in the building. An R & D asbestos survey by a specialist asbestos survey company in Sussex, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, will identify any ACMs present and enable you to manage the risk and protect the health of those who use the building. Contact us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] for more information or to arrange a survey. Our website is affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.