When Would Asbestos Survey Be Pulled Up By Solicitor in Sussex

Asbestos is a highly dangerous substance that was once widely used in building materials due to its strength and fire resistance properties. Buildings constructed before the year 2000 in the UK have a high likelihood of containing asbestos materials, which pose a threat to the health of individuals exposed to them. It is crucial for property owners in Sussex and across the UK to be aware of the presence of asbestos in their buildings and to take appropriate action to ensure its safe removal.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a professional asbestos survey company based in Sussex, providing affordable and reliable asbestos surveys and removal services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients. We are committed to ensuring that homeowners and property managers in Sussex and beyond have access to reliable asbestos testing and abatement services to safeguard the health of building occupants.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction materials due to their heat, fire, and chemical resistance properties. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and textured coatings such as Artex. Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres that, when inhaled, can cause a variety of severe respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases have long latency periods, meaning that symptoms may not become evident until years or even decades after exposure.

When Would an Asbestos Survey Be Necessary?

In general, if a building was built before the year 2000, there is a high likelihood that it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). An asbestos survey would be necessary to identify the type, location, and extent of any ACMs within the property.

When purchasing a property, solicitors often recommend an asbestos survey to ensure that the property is free from asbestos materials. The presence of asbestos can have a significant impact on the value of a property, and solicitors may advise homeowners to carry out an asbestos survey before putting their property on the market.

If a building is undergoing construction or renovation work, an asbestos survey must be carried out to identify any ACMs present that may pose a threat to the health of workers or occupants. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that all buildings constructed before 2000 have an asbestos survey carried out to determine the presence of ACMs.

Furthermore, public buildings and commercial properties have a legal duty to manage any ACMs present on the premises, including carrying out regular asbestos surveys to ensure that any ACMs are correctly identified and managed.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two main types of asbestos surveys that may be carried out:

Management Asbestos Survey

A management asbestos survey is carried out to identify the presence, type and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. The survey provides a comprehensive report that explains the location, type and condition of any ACMs found. The report will also outline recommendations for managing the asbestos correctly to ensure the health and safety of all building occupants.

Management surveys are typically carried out on buildings where a risk assessment has identified that ACMs are likely to be present. Management surveys must be updated regularly to ensure that any changes or deterioration to ACMs are identified.

Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey

A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey are carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building. The survey is more intrusive than a management survey and may involve the collection of samples to determine the type and condition of any ACMs present.

After the survey has been completed, the surveying company will provide the building owner with a detailed report outlining the type, location and condition of any ACMs present. The report will also provide recommendations for the safe removal and disposal of any ACMs before any refurbishment or demolition work begins.

Common Areas for Asbestos in Buildings

Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in construction materials, particularly in buildings constructed before the year 2000. The following are some of the most common areas where asbestos may be present:

Insulation

Asbestos insulation was commonly used in buildings to provide fire resistance and insulation. Asbestos insulation may be present in areas such as boilers, pipework, ducts, and hot water cylinders.

Flooring

Asbestos was commonly used in floor tiles and adhesive during the 1980s. Asbestos tiles and adhesive are often found in schools and public buildings constructed during this time.

Roofing and Cladding

Asbestos was commonly used in roofing and cladding materials to provide insulation and fire resistance. Asbestos sheets and slates may still be present on older buildings.

Textured Coatings

Textured coatings such as Artex were commonly used in buildings during the 1970s and 1980s. Asbestos was often used in the manufacture of these coatings.

Relief and Remediation Needed

If an asbestos survey identifies the presence of asbestos-containing materials within a building, appropriate relief and remediation measures must be carried out to ensure the health and safety of all building occupants. The appropriate relief and remediation measures will depend on the extent, location and condition of any ACMs present.

Typically, asbestos removal is carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors who have been trained and certified to remove and dispose of asbestos safely. In some cases, the management of the asbestos may be more appropriate than removal, particularly if the asbestos is in good condition and unlikely to pose a risk to health.

Regardless of the approach taken, it is essential to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are handled and disposed of correctly to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres.

Impact on Property Value

The presence of asbestos-containing materials within a property can have a significant impact on its value. If asbestos is present, potential buyers may be hesitant to purchase the property due to the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Furthermore, the presence of asbestos may affect the ability to obtain a mortgage or insurance for the property.

By carrying out an asbestos survey before putting a property on the market, property owners can identify any ACMs present and take appropriate action before potential buyers view the property. This can help to ensure that the property is safe for occupants and increase its resale value.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was once widely used in building materials. Buildings constructed before the year 2000 have a high likelihood of containing asbestos-containing materials that pose a risk to the health of occupants. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are committed to providing reliable and affordable asbestos surveys and removal services to safeguard the health of individuals within Sussex and beyond. By identifying the presence of ACMs within a property, property owners can take appropriate action to manage or remove asbestos, ensuring the safety of all building occupants. Contact us today for more information on our asbestos survey and removal services in Sussex.