Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry due to its strength, insulating properties, and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, it has been proven that prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Therefore, it is crucial for property owners and managers to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their buildings through an asbestos survey.
There are three main types of asbestos surveys: management surveys, refurbishment and demolition surveys, and re-inspection surveys. Each serves a different purpose but all aim at ensuring the safety of individuals who live or work in buildings where ACMs may be present.
A management survey is the standard type of asbestos survey. It’s designed click to discover locate the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in a building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy. This type of survey involves minor intrusive work and some disturbance. The goal here is not just locating but also managing ACMs during the normal use or occupancy of the building.
Refurbishment & demolition surveys are required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. These are fully intrusive surveys involving destructive inspection as necessary, with access needed to all areas including those difficult to reach. They’re designed to locate all ACMs so they can be removed safely before renovation or demolition works commence.
Re-inspection surveys are conducted periodically after a management or refurbishment/demolition survey has taken place – usually annually but this depends on various factors like condition of ACMs found etcetera – ensuring that identified ACMs have not deteriorated over time.
The importance of these various types of asbestos surveys cannot be overstated for both legal compliance reasons as well as human health concerns. Legally speaking, under UK law (Control Of Asbestos Regulations 2012), if you own non-domestic premises built before 2000 you must manage any identified ACMs appropriately, which starts with conducting a suitable asbestos survey.
From a health perspective, these surveys are crucial in preventing exposure to asbestos fibres that can cause serious illnesses. By identifying and managing ACMs, property owners and managers can take appropriate measures to ensure that occupants or workers are not exposed to harmful asbestos fibres.
In conclusion, the different types of asbestos surveys play an integral role in promoting safety within buildings potentially containing this hazardous material. It is vital for property owners and managers to understand their responsibilities regarding asbestos management and ensure that proper surveys are conducted as required by law. This will help protect the health of all those who live or work within their premises while also avoiding potential legal repercussions.
