Asbestos surveys are undertaken on a wide range of property types, sites and for a multitude of reasons. Here, our asbestos consultants cover some of the most common reasons you may need an asbestos survey undertaking.
Reason 1: Refurbishment, maintenance or demolition works are planned
One key reason asbestos surveys are often required in both domestic and commercial projects is when refurbishments, maintenance or demolition works are scheduled to take place. This is especially true for older buildings (in particular those built pre-2000) as they are more likely to contain harmful asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
In this instance, intrusive and thorough sampling and inspections are undertaken during a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey (previously known as a Type 3 Asbestos Survey). These surveys must be carried out on buildings before works commence in order to remain compliant with health and safety legislation.
If a survey is not carried out before works commence, the ACMs within the building could be disturbed, exposing staff and site visitors to harmful asbestos fibres.
Reason 2: Buying, selling or renting a property with asbestos
Before you buy or rent a property (be this a home, office, warehouse or otherwise) it is best to have an asbestos survey undertaken. In most cases, you can choose to have a survey undertaken, or ask the seller/landlord to provide a survey/survey results for you.
Knowing if a property contains ACMs and their condition is crucial to proper asbestos management. If any ACMs are found but are in good condition, you may be able to leave them in situ and be sure to leave them in good condition going forwards. If they are in poor condition, you can have these remediated or removed before moving into the property.
In the UK, it is not illegal to sell a property which contains ACMs however if you are aware of their presence, you must disclose this to the new owners or the renters.
In this instance, an Asbestos Management Survey may be best as it requires less intrusive sampling techniques, leaving the property undisturbed after the survey has taken place.
Reason 3: Re-Inspecting asbestos materials
As we have mentioned, ACMs which are in good overall condition are left in situ, as this could be the safest solution. If you are aware of ACMs in your property due to a previous survey, it is likely your asbestos management plan requires you to undertake re-inspections.
The purpose of an asbestos re-inspection survey is to, as the name suggests, re-inspect the asbestos originally found to ensure the condition has not deteriorated over time. With regular checks, you can ensure the ACMs remain in good condition. Regular re-inspections also ensure that, if your ACMs have been damaged or have deteriorated, these changes are caught quickly. From here, you can remove or remediate the asbestos to minimise exposure risks.
Do you need an asbestos survey?
If you find yourself in any of the situations mentioned above (or others), contact our team of asbestos consultants today! For years, we have been undertaking a wide range of asbestos surveys efficiently and safely, to help duty holders remain compliant. Get in touch today for expert advice and your free quote.
