When Is A Refurbishment And Demolition Asbestos Survey Required In Sussex?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a company that specializes in conducting asbestos surveys in Sussex and the surrounding areas. One of the services that we offer is a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey. But when is this type of survey required?

Asbestos - A Brief Overview

Before we discuss when a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey is required, it is important to understand what asbestos is. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s. It was popular due to its fire-resistant properties and strength. However, it was later discovered that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos can be found in various materials such as flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, roofing, and much more. The presence of asbestos in a building does not necessarily mean that it is dangerous. Asbestos becomes a hazard when it is disturbed or damaged, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, which can then be inhaled.

Surveys - A Necessary Step

If you are planning any building work, whether it is refurbishment or demolition, it is important to conduct an asbestos survey prior to starting the work. This is because it is not always immediately apparent whether a building contains asbestos materials.

An asbestos survey is essential to identify the presence of asbestos in a building and determine if it poses a risk. There are two types of asbestos surveys - Management survey and Refurbishment and Demolition survey.

Management Survey

A Management Survey is required for non-domestic buildings to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials. This type of survey is required to be carried out periodically to ensure that the asbestos-containing materials are maintained correctly and that they do not pose a risk to occupants or workers.

The survey involves inspecting the building for asbestos materials and taking samples, which are then tested in a laboratory. The results will inform a survey report which will detail the location and condition of the asbestos-containing materials. The report will also include recommendations for the management of the asbestos-containing materials.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

A Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is required when a building is due to undergo any significant refurbishment or demolition work. This type of survey is more intrusive than a Management Survey as all accessible areas of the building will be inspected to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition work.

The survey will involve sampling and testing of all suspect materials, not just the ones identified during the Management Survey. The results will be presented in a report that outlines the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials.

When Is A Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey Required?

So when is a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey required? Generally, a survey is required when any building work is planned. However, it is important to note that the level of the survey required will depend on the type of work planned.

Refurbishment Work

A Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey is required if the refurbishment work involves the removal or demolition of any part of the building, which may disturb asbestos-containing materials. This includes:

• Removal of ceilings or partitions
• Removal of flooring or insulation
• Removal of pipes or boilers
• Removal of roofing materials
• Removal of textured coatings such as Artex
• Removal of asbestos cement products

If the refurbishment work involves non-intrusive work such as painting or decorating, a Management Survey may be sufficient.

Demolition Work

A Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey is always required before any demolition work, regardless of whether asbestos-containing materials have been identified previously or not. This is because there is a high chance that the demolition work will disturb asbestos-containing materials and release asbestos fibers into the air.

The survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the demolition work and provide recommendations on the removal of the materials before the demolition takes place.

It is important to note that a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Failure to carry out the survey can result in hefty fines or even imprisonment.

Contact Us

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of conducting an asbestos survey before any refurbishment or demolition work. Our team of highly experienced surveyors will conduct a thorough survey of your building and provide you with a detailed report outlining any asbestos-containing materials present.

We offer competitive rates and a fast, efficient service. For more information about our services, or to book a survey, contact us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk, for more information.