When Is An Asbestos Survey Required in Construction in Sussex?

If you're planning any construction work in Sussex, whether new or refurbishment, you should consider the presence of asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until the late 1990s, so it's important to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified and safely removed before any work begins.

To help you understand when an asbestos survey is required for construction projects in Sussex, lets take a look at what asbestos is, where it can be found, and the regulations around it.

Asbestos: What is it and Where is it Found?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was commonly used in many building materials, such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and ceiling tiles, until it was banned in the UK in 1999. These materials can release microscopic fibers of asbestos when they are disturbed or damaged, which can cause serious health problems if inhaled.

Asbestos can be found in many areas of buildings, including:

• Roofing materials
• Insulation materials
• Ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles and adhesives
• Fireproofing and heat-resistant materials
• Pipe insulation

Regulations on Asbestos in Construction

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out the legal responsibilities for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises, such as commercial or public buildings. The regulations require those responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic properties to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and assess the risk of exposure.

Generally, if asbestos is present, a survey will be required to identify the type, location, and condition of any ACMs. Once an asbestos survey has been carried out, a management plan should be put in place to ensure that any ACMs are maintained, repaired, or removed safely.

When Is an Asbestos Survey Required for Construction Projects in Sussex?

An asbestos survey should be carried out before any construction or refurbishment work is carried out on any building built before the year 2000, which is the year that the use of asbestos was banned in the UK. The survey will determine whether asbestos is present in the building and, if so, its location and condition.

If asbestos is not present, the survey will provide written confirmation to this effect. In this case, no further action will be required.

However, if asbestos is found, a management plan must be put in place to ensure that it's contained and managed safely. This will include the safe removal of any ACMs if necessary. The type of survey required will depend on the location and condition of the ACMs.

Asbestos Survey Types

There are two types of asbestos surveys:

Management asbestos survey

A management asbestos survey is intended to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any ACMs in a building that may be disturbed during normal occupancy, routine maintenance, or occupancy work.

Refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey

A refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey is required when a building or part of a building is to be refurbished, upgraded, or demolished. This type of survey is more intrusive and may involve destructive inspection techniques to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.

What Should an Asbestos Register Contain?

If asbestos is identified, it is essential to create an asbestos register for the building. The register should contain the following information:

• The location of any ACMs
• The type and condition of the asbestos-containing material
• Risk assessment
• Priority rating
• Management plan

The asbestos register should be continually reviewed and updated as work is carried out on the building.

Why Work with Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a well-established asbestos survey company in Sussex. We have been operating since 2002, and our team has extensive experience in managing asbestos in all types of buildings.

We provide free, no-obligation quotes, and our simple and transparent pricing policy ensures that you won't be hit with any unexpected costs. Our team is fully trained and certified to carry out all types of asbestos surveys and removals, and we always work to the highest safety standards.

Whether you're an individual in charge of managing asbestos in your non-domestic property or a business managing a portfolio of properties in Sussex and throughout the South East of England, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Don't take any risks with asbestos. Work with the experts at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to manage your asbestos safely and legally. Call us today on 01273 978238, or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.