Who is Responsible for an Asbestos Survey in Sussex?

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was commonly used in construction, insulation, and fireproofing materials until the late 20th century. It was widely believed to be a miracle material due to its heat-resistant, durable, and fireproof properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Since asbestos was commonly used in buildings constructed before the 1990s, it is essential to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings to manage the risks associated with them. Therefore, asbestos surveys are a crucial process for anyone managing or owning a building in Sussex.

Who is Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a reputable asbestos survey company based in Sussex. They have an experienced team of asbestos surveyors who can identify and report any ACMs present in a building or structure. The company provides comprehensive asbestos surveys for both residential and commercial properties in Sussex and the surrounding areas. They also offer asbestos management services to help clients manage their ACMs safely.

The company's primary goal is to provide an affordable and reliable asbestos surveying service to their clients. They pride themselves on providing accurate results, clear reports, and transparent pricing, allowing their clients to make informed decisions.

Asbestos

Before we dive into the responsibilities of asbestos surveys, let's first understand what asbestos is and how it can be harmful. Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that were frequently used in building materials due to their high tensile strength and resistance to heat and fire. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings in Sussex and throughout the world, especially in those constructed before 2000. Therefore, it is essential to identify and manage any ACMs to avoid any health problems arising from asbestos exposure.

Survey

An asbestos survey is a process that involves inspecting a building or structure for the presence of ACMs. This process identifies the location, condition, and quantity of any asbestos-containing materials present in the building. An asbestos survey can also provide a management plan for the continued management of any ACMs found.

There are two types of surveys: a management survey and a refurbishment/demolition survey. A management survey is for non-domestic buildings, whereas a refurbishment/demolition survey is for domestic buildings. The surveys are conducted to different standards and have different objectives.

Management Survey

The objective of a management survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including any foreseeable maintenance or installation work.

This survey is generally non-intrusive, meaning that samples of materials are taken only where necessary to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos. Any ACMs that are found should be recorded, and a management plan should be prepared to manage the risks associated with any ACMs.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

The objective of a refurbishment/demolition survey is to identify, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment or demolition will take place. The survey should be intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that are difficult to access.

This survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work begins on a domestic building. All ACMs found should be recorded and removed before any refurbishment or demolition work begins.

Duty Holder

A duty holder is anyone who has control over the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of a non-domestic building. Duty holders have a legal responsibility to manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within their building or structure.

The duty holder's legal responsibilities include identifying the location and condition of any ACMs in the building and assessing the risks associated with those materials. The duty holder also has a responsibility to take appropriate measures to manage those risks, which may include removing or sealing off the ACMs.

Regulations

In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) sets out the legal responsibilities of duty holders regarding asbestos management. The regulations require duty holders to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) safely in any non-domestic building.

The regulations require that a suitable and sufficient assessment is undertaken to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in non-domestic buildings. This assessment should be followed by a management plan to manage the risks associated with those materials.

The regulations also require that anyone who works on or disturbs ACMs is given adequate information, instruction, and training to ensure that they can work safely.

Building Survey

Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement for any non-domestic building constructed before 2000. The building survey is a visual inspection to identify the presence of suspect ACMs in the building. Any suspect ACMs found during the survey should be sampled and analysed in a UKAS accredited laboratory.

The building survey should be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills and training to inspect the building for the presence of asbestos. A competent person should have sufficient knowledge, training and experience, and access to appropriate equipment to carry out the survey safely.

Management Survey

A management survey is required to manage any ACMs present in a non-domestic building safely. The survey involves a visual inspection of the building to locate any suspect ACMs. Samples are only taken where necessary to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos.

The management survey should be carried out by a competent person and should be reviewed regularly to ensure that the management plan is effective.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition works begin. The survey is intrusive and includes destructive inspection to gain access to all areas where refurbishment or demolition work is to be carried out.

The objective of the survey is to identify, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment/demolition work is to take place. The survey should be carried out by a competent person who has the necessary skills, training and equipment to undertake the survey safely.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Website

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published comprehensive guidance on asbestos management, including the management of ACMs in non-domestic buildings. The guidance can be found on the HSE's website and provides in-depth information on the legal requirements for asbestos management.

The HSE's website also provides information on the dangers of asbestos and how to work safely with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Responsibilities

The responsibility for asbestos surveys depends on the type of building and its use. Typically, the duty holder is responsible for managing the risk associated with any ACMs in a non-domestic building. They must ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment of the building is carried out by a competent person to identify any ACMs present.

For domestic buildings, the responsibility lies with the homeowner or landlord. If the building is a shared building, such as a block of flats, the responsibility may be shared among the duty holders.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a reputable asbestos survey company based in Sussex. They provide comprehensive and affordable asbestos surveys for both residential and commercial properties in Sussex and the surrounding areas.

Managing Asbestos

Asbestos management is crucial to ensure that workers and occupants of buildings are safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure. A management plan should be prepared and reviewed regularly to ensure that the risks associated with any ACMs are appropriately managed.

The management plan should include measures such as asbestos removal or encapsulation, regular inspections, and adequate training for workers who may come into contact with ACMs.

Sussex

Sussex is a county in South East England that is home to many non-domestic and domestic buildings that may contain asbestos. It is essential to identify and manage any ACMs present in these buildings to prevent any health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is an asbestos survey company based in Sussex that provides comprehensive and affordable asbestos surveys for both residential and commercial properties in the area.

Conclusion

Asbestos surveys are an important step in managing the risks associated with asbestos exposure for anyone managing or owning a building in Sussex. There are legal requirements for asbestos management, and duty holders have a responsibility to manage any ACMs present in non-domestic buildings.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a reputable asbestos survey company based in Sussex that provides comprehensive and affordable surveys for both residential and commercial properties in the area. Their experienced team of asbestos surveyors conducts surveys to the highest standards to ensure accurate results and clear reports. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today to schedule an asbestos survey by calling 01273 978238.