When Is An Asbestos Refurbishment Survey Required In Sussex

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in building construction until the late 1990s. It is known to cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, and is now banned in most countries.

If you own or manage a building in Sussex, you may be wondering when an asbestos survey is required. In this article, well outline the circumstances in which an asbestos refurbishment survey is necessary, and explain how our company, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, can help.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a term used to describe a group of naturally occurring minerals that have a fibrous structure. It was commonly used in building materials from the 1950s to the late 1990s because of its insulating and fireproofing properties. Asbestos can be found in many different building materials, including:

• Flat or corrugated asbestos cement sheets used for roofing and wall cladding
• Asbestos insulation board used for fire protection, thermal insulation, and sound insulation
• Asbestos cement water tanks and pipes
• Textured coating, such as Artex, which may contain small amounts of asbestos
• Thermal insulation, such as pipe lagging, used on boilers and heating systems

Asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed, as it can release small fibers into the air, which can then be inhaled. These fibers can accumulate in the lungs and cause damage over time, leading to serious health problems.

What Is An Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building or property to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey aims to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs, and make recommendations for their management.

There are two main types of survey: a management survey and a refurbishment survey.

Management Survey

A management survey is required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 if you own or manage a non-domestic property, such as an office or factory. The survey aims to identify any ACMs present in the property and assess their condition.

A management survey does not require the disturbance of any materials and is therefore non-intrusive. The surveyor will take samples of any suspected ACMs and send them for laboratory analysis to confirm their presence.

The results of the survey will be compiled into a report, which will include a risk assessment and an asbestos register. The register identifies the location and condition of any ACMs and provides recommendations for their management.

Refurbishment Survey

A refurbishment survey is required if you are planning to carry out any refurbishment or demolition work to a building, and is more intrusive than a management survey. It aims to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the work, and assess their condition.

A refurbishment survey requires the disturbance of materials, and may involve the removal of small amounts of asbestos-containing materials for laboratory analysis. The survey should be carried out by a qualified and experienced surveyor.

The results of the survey will be compiled into a report, which will identify any ACMs that need to be removed or managed before work can begin. The report will also provide recommendations for their safe removal or management.

When Is An Asbestos Refurbishment Survey Required?

An asbestos refurbishment survey is required if you are planning to carry out any refurbishment or demolition work to a building, and if there is any potential for ACMs to be disturbed during the work.

This includes work such as:

• Removing or replacing asbestos cement sheets
• Removing or replacing pipe lagging or thermal insulation
• Removing or replacing textured coatings, such as Artex, that may contain asbestos
• Demolishing a building or part of a building
• Refurbishing a building or part of a building that contains ACMs

If you are unsure whether a refurbishment survey is required, or if you suspect that your building may contain ACMs, it is always best to seek professional advice. An experienced asbestos survey company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, can provide you with the information you need to ensure that you are complying with the law and keeping yourself, your employees, and members of the public safe.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are committed to providing high-quality asbestos survey and removal services to our customers in Sussex and the wider South East England region. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer service.

Here are just a few reasons why you should choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex:

Experienced and Qualified Surveyors

All of our surveyors are fully qualified and experienced in carrying out asbestos surveys to the highest standards. We are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), which means that we follow strict guidelines and procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our survey reports.

Comprehensive Survey Reports

Our survey reports are comprehensive and easy to understand, and we always aim to provide our customers with a fast turnaround time. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that our surveys are as accurate as possible, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Safe and Secure Asbestos Removal

If you require asbestos removal, we can provide a safe, secure, and cost-effective service. All of our removal teams are fully trained and equipped to carry out asbestos removal to the highest standards, and we comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.

Competitive Prices

We understand that affordability is important to our customers, and we offer competitive prices for all of our asbestos survey and removal services. Our prices are transparent and we will always provide you with a detailed quote before any work begins.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Today

If you require an asbestos refurbishment survey in Sussex or the South East England region, or if you suspect that your building may contain ACMs, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today. Our experienced and friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.

You can contact us by phone on 01273 978238, or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to find out more about our services and how we can help you.