When Is An Asbestos Survey Needed In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos have been known for decades, and its use in buildings has been banned in the UK since 1999. Despite this ban, many properties in Sussex and the South East of England still contain asbestos, which can pose a serious risk to health if it is not properly managed.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a reputable and professional asbestos survey company in Sussex that can help you to identify any asbestos present in your property and advise you on the best course of action for its safe removal. In this article, we will explore when an asbestos survey is needed, the types of asbestos surveys available, and why it is essential to consider asbestos surveys for domestic and non-domestic properties.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It was used extensively in the construction industry throughout the 20th century, primarily in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. There are two main types of asbestos: chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, and amphibole asbestos, which includes brown and blue asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos can cause a range of serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibres are released into the air when materials containing asbestos are disturbed, and can be easily inhaled. Asbestos-related diseases can take years or even decades to develop, and there is no cure for these conditions. Therefore, it is essential to identify any asbestos present in your property and manage it safely to reduce the risk of exposure.

When Is An Asbestos Survey Needed?

You should consider arranging an asbestos survey if you are planning to carry out any renovation or demolition work on a building that was constructed before the year 2000. This is because these buildings are likely to contain asbestos materials, and any work that disturbs these materials can release dangerous fibres into the air. An asbestos survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be present in the property and assess their condition and level of risk.

If you are responsible for the maintenance of non-domestic premises, such as an office, factory or school, then you have a legal duty to manage any asbestos present in the building. This includes identifying and assessing the condition of any ACMs, recording any identified asbestos in an asbestos register, and implementing a plan to manage the materials safely. An asbestos survey can help you to fulfil these legal obligations and ensure the safety of anyone who may be affected by the presence of asbestos in the building.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

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

Management Surveys

Management surveys are designed to identify the presence and condition of any ACMs in a building that may be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance. These surveys are not intended to be intrusive and are usually non-destructive. The surveyor will take samples of any materials suspected of containing asbestos and analyse them in a laboratory to confirm their presence and type. The condition of any identified ACMs will also be assessed to determine the level of risk they pose.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more intrusive than management surveys and are intended to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during major refurbishment or demolition work. These surveys are necessary for any building constructed before 2000 that is due to undergo major renovation or demolition work. The surveyor will take samples of all materials suspected of containing asbestos and analyse them in a laboratory to confirm their presence and type. All identified asbestos materials must be safely removed before any work can commence.

Why Asbestos Surveys are Essential for Domestic and Non-domestic Properties

An asbestos survey is essential for any property that was constructed before the year 2000, whether it is domestic or non-domestic. Asbestos is still present in many buildings, even those that have been renovated, and it can pose a serious risk to health if it is not managed correctly.

For domestic properties, an asbestos survey can provide peace of mind for homeowners and potential buyers. If you are planning to carry out any renovation or demolition work on your property, then an asbestos survey can help you identify any ACMs that may be present and ensure that they are managed safely.

For non-domestic properties, an asbestos survey is a legal requirement. Any responsible person who has control over non-domestic premises must ensure that any asbestos present is identified and managed safely to protect the health of everyone who may be affected by the building.

Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex for Your Asbestos Survey Needs

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional and experienced asbestos survey company operating in Sussex and the South East of England. We are fully licensed and insured, and our team of surveyors are highly trained to identify and manage the safe removal of any asbestos present in your property.

We offer affordable asbestos surveys for both domestic and non-domestic properties, and our team will provide you with a detailed report outlining the presence and condition of any ACMs in your building. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance on the safe removal of asbestos.

If you are in need of an asbestos survey in Sussex or the South East of England, then do not hesitate to contact the experts at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex. You can reach us on 01273 978238, email us at [email protected], or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.