When Is An Asbestos Survey Required In Sussex?

If you live in Sussex or the South East of England, you may be wondering when you need an asbestos survey. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was used in construction for many years before it was identified as a health hazard. Asbestos can cause asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, which can be fatal.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex. We provide a range of asbestos services to help protect you and your family from the dangers of asbestos. In this landing page, we will discuss when an asbestos survey is required in Sussex, what an asbestos survey involves, and why it is important.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that was used in construction for many years due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials, including ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, roofing, and plaster. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many buildings still contain asbestos, particularly those built before 2000.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to identify any asbestos-containing materials. The survey is conducted by a trained and qualified asbestos inspector who will take samples of suspect materials and send them to a laboratory for analysis. If asbestos is found, the survey report will provide recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos.

When is an asbestos survey required?

An asbestos survey is required if you own or manage a non-domestic property that was built before 2000. Non-domestic properties include commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is a legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties.

If you are planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a non-domestic property, an asbestos survey is also required. This is because asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed during the work, which can release asbestos fibers into the air and pose a health risk to workers and occupants of the building.

If you are buying or selling a non-domestic property, an asbestos survey is recommended to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and properly managed. Asbestos can affect the value of a property, and failure to manage asbestos can result in legal and financial consequences.

Asbestos surveys are not usually required for domestic properties, such as houses and flats, unless they are part of a larger non-domestic building, such as a block of flats. However, it is recommended that homeowners and tenants take precautions when carrying out DIY work or repairs, as some older homes may contain asbestos.

Why is an asbestos survey important?

An asbestos survey is important because it helps to identify any asbestos-containing materials in a building, which can then be managed or removed to reduce the risk of asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they are inhaled and can cause serious health problems, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed do not need to be removed, but they must be properly managed to ensure that they do not pose a risk to occupants of the building. This may involve sealing or encapsulating the materials to prevent the release of asbestos fibers, or regularly monitoring the materials to ensure that they remain in good condition.

If asbestos-containing materials need to be removed, this must be done by a licensed asbestos removal company. Asbestos removal is a hazardous process that must be carried out in accordance with strict regulations to protect workers and occupants of the building.

Conclusion

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are committed to helping our clients to manage and remove asbestos safely and efficiently. If you require an asbestos survey in Sussex or the South East of England, please contact us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. We are a leading asbestos survey company in Sussex and we will work with you to ensure that your building is safe and compliant with the law.