Who Is Responsible For Asbestos Surveys in Sussex?

Asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It was once commonly used in building materials, such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and floor tiles, until it was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings constructed prior to the ban still contain asbestos, and it is important to identify its presence to ensure the safety of building occupants. This is where asbestos surveys come in.

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a building to determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present and, if so, their location, type, and condition. The results of the survey are used to create an asbestos management plan that outlines how the asbestos will be managed to prevent exposure and minimize risk. But who is responsible for asbestos surveys in Sussex?

Asbestos Survey Regulations

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) outlines the legal requirements for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises. It requires that owners, managers and duty holders of non-domestic premises, including commercial, industrial and public buildings, must take reasonable steps to identify any ACMs present and manage the risks associated with them. This includes conducting an asbestos survey by a competent person.

Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a duty on employers to ensure that their employees and any others who may be affected by their work are not exposed to health and safety risks, including risks from asbestos. This means that employers must ensure that any ACMs in their buildings are identified, assessed, and managed appropriately.

Domestic Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are also recommended for domestic properties, although they are not a legal requirement. However, if you are planning any renovation or demolition work on a domestic property that was built before 2000, you should have an asbestos survey conducted to identify any ACMs that may be disturbed during the work. As a homeowner, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of anyone who may be affected by your work, including yourself, your family, and any contractors you hire.

Who Conducts Asbestos Surveys?

Asbestos surveys must be conducted by a competent person who has the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to identify and assess ACMs. The surveyor should be accredited by a professional body and hold relevant qualifications, such as the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) P402 qualification for asbestos surveying.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that aims to identify the location, type, and condition of ACMs that may be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of the building. A refurbishment/demolition survey, as the name suggests, is required when a building is being refurbished or demolished and involves a more intrusive inspection to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed.

Responsibilities of Duty Holders

Under CAR 2012, the duty holder is responsible for managing the asbestos on their premises. This includes identifying any ACMs and conducting asbestos surveys to assess the risks associated with them. The duty holder may be the owner, occupier, or employer of the premises, depending on the nature of the building and its use.

If the duty holder is unsure whether ACMs are present, they should assume that they are and take appropriate action. This may include arranging for an asbestos survey to be conducted by a competent person.

Hiring an Asbestos Survey Company in Sussex

Asbestos surveys are not something to be taken lightly, and it is important to choose a reputable and experienced company to conduct the survey. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a local asbestos survey company in Sussex that offers a range of asbestos services to help manage and control the risks associated with asbestos. Our team of licensed and experienced surveyors are fully trained to identify and assess ACMs in any type of building.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex offers both management and refurbishment/demolition surveys to meet the needs of our clients. We use the latest technology, including digital imaging and sampling techniques, to accurately identify and assess ACMs. Our comprehensive survey reports provide detailed information on the extent and condition of any ACMs found, as well as recommendations for their safe removal or management.

Don't Neglect Asbestos Safety

Asbestos is a silent killer that can cause serious health problems, so don't neglect your responsibilities when it comes to managing asbestos. If you own or manage a non-domestic property in Sussex, it is your duty to ensure that an asbestos survey is conducted by a competent person. If you are a homeowner planning any renovation or demolition work, you should also consider having an asbestos survey conducted to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex offers a range of asbestos services, including surveys, removal, and management, to help you meet your duties under CAR 2012. Our team of experienced surveyors are available to conduct surveys at your convenience, and our reports are available online for quick and easy access. Contact us today on 01273 978238 to discuss your asbestos needs and schedule a survey, or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more details.