Are you looking to have an Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Survey carried out?
Asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys are required before any work can even begin to determine the presence of any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s).
These surveys are designed to locate all asbestos within the building (or the relevant part), to the greatest extent possible. It is a disruptive and completely intrusive survey that may require penetration into all parts of the building structure.
To lift carpets and tiles, break through walls, ceilings, cladding, and partitions, and open up floors, aggressive inspection techniques will be required. Controls should be put in place in these situations to prevent the spread of debris, which may contain asbestos.
1. Building Age: Check the construction date of the building. Asbestos was widely used until the late 1990s, so if the building was constructed before 2000, it’s more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
2. Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: If you’re planning any refurbishment or demolition work, you need to have an asbestos survey carried out by a competent surveyor. This is known as a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey. This survey will identify any ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned work.
3. Duty to Manage: As per the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders (those responsible for maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises) have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their buildings. This includes identifying any ACMs through surveys and putting in place a management plan.
4. Asbestos Register: If the building has already been surveyed in the past, check if there is an asbestos register or management plan in place. This information should be readily available to those responsible for the building.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unsure about the presence of asbestos or the type of survey needed, it’s best to consult a licensed asbestos surveyor. They will assess the building and recommend the appropriate survey type based on the scope of the planned work.
6. Avoid Disturbing ACMs: Until a survey is conducted and any ACMs are properly managed or removed, it’s essential to avoid disturbing any materials that could potentially contain asbestos.
Remember that asbestos exposure is hazardous to health, and asbestos-related diseases may take years to develop. Taking proper precautions and following regulations is vital to protect yourself and others from potential harm. Always consult professionals experienced in asbestos management for guidance.
An Asbestos Demolition Survey should only be carried out in unoccupied areas to minimise risks to the public or employees on the premises, also ideally all furnishings removed.
For minor refurbishment, this would only apply to the room involved or even part of the room where the work is small and the room large. In these situations, there should be effective isolation of the survey area (e.g. full floor to ceiling partition), and furnishings should be removed as far as possible or protected using sheeting.
The ‘surveyed’ area must be shown to be fit for reoccupation before people move back in.
We can be onsite within hours with an interim recommendation of what type of asbestos survey is required and what course of action might need to be taken.
CONTACT US NOW if you suspect the presence of asbestos on your property
