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What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is a thorough examination of a building to determine the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the United Kingdom until it was banned due to potential health hazards.
If asbestos is disturbed or damaged and its fibres are released into the air, it can cause serious respiratory illnesses. An asbestos survey is required to determine the presence and location of ACMs in a property, as well as to create a plan for managing and mitigating the risks associated with these materials.
What are the different types of Asbestos Surveys?
Management asbestos surveys
These are used to determine the presence, location, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on a property. The goal of this type of survey is to create a plan for managing the risks associated with ACMs, such as recommendations for removing or encapsulating the materials or putting in place measures to prevent disruption or damage. A management asbestos survey is appropriate for occupied or in use properties and does not involve disturbing or damaging the materials.
Refurbishment/demolition asbestos surveys
These are similar to a management asbestos survey, but it is performed when a property is undergoing refurbishment or demolition work. The goal of this survey is to identify and assess the risks associated with ACMs that may be disturbed or removed during construction. A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey may necessitate the removal of small samples of materials for testing, as well as the use of specialised equipment or techniques to gain access to certain areas of the property.
Reinspection asbestos survey
These are performed after an initial asbestos survey has been completed and any recommended actions have been completed. The goal of this type of survey is to ensure that the recommendations were followed and to assess the current state of any remaining ACMs. A reinspection asbestos survey may include material sampling and testing to confirm the presence and condition of ACMs.
What does an asbestos survey include?
A thorough inspection of the property, including all visible and accessible areas, is included in an asbestos survey to identify the presence and location of ACMs. The survey may also include material sampling and testing to confirm the presence of asbestos.
A detailed description of the location and condition of any ACMs discovered, as well as recommendations for managing and mitigating the risks associated with these materials, will be included in the survey report.
How much does an asbestos survey cost?
The cost of an asbestos survey will depend on the size and complexity of the property as well as the type of survey being undertaken. Our basic asbestos survey for a small residential property starts from as little as £180 + VAT. Call us today to get free no obligation quote.
What happens after it is completed ?
Following the completion of an asbestos survey, the surveyor will provide a report detailing the location and condition of any ACMs discovered, as well as recommendations for managing and mitigating the risks associated with these materials.
It is the property owner’s or manager’s responsibility to put these recommendations into action to ensure the safety of the property and its occupants. This may include removing or encapsulating asbestos materials, as well as putting in place safeguards to prevent disruption or damage to the materials.
What other related services do you provide?
Gas Safety Certificate:
A certificate issued after inspection and testing of the complete gas installation within a property, including the gas appliances. The installation is checked for both correct operation and safety. In the UK a Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement to rent a property and needs to be renewed every 12 months.
EICR:
Electrical Installation Condition Report formerly known as periodic Inspection Report is an certificate outlining the condition of the electrical installation within a property and any potential or existing hazards. An EICR is a legal requirement for rental properties in the UK and maybe required if you are selling your home.
Boiler Servicing:
An annual boiler service is carrying out a series of checks and cleaning to the boiler in order to maintain and increase the life of a boiler. It is also a requirement by the manufacturer to honour any boiler guarantees.
PAT Testing
Portable appliance testing (PAT) is the label used for inspection and testing of electrical appliances and equipment to ensure they are safe to use and clear of any hazards. Majority of electrical safety issues can be found by visual inspection but some types of defect can only be found by testing. Using the correct calibrated PAT testing equipment
EPC
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document collated from an energy assessment of a property to outline how efficiently the property performs in energy consumption and heat retention. Similar to the multi-coloured labels now seen on new appliances, EPCs advise how energy efficient a building is and give it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). In the UK an EPC is a legal document required to rent or sell your property.
Legionella Risk Assessment
To help identify potential risk factors in buildings, premises, and facilities, a legionella risk assessment is used. In order to establish effective Legionella risk controls, the findings are then used to identify the interventions that are necessary as well as the procedures and policies that need to be put in place in order to avoid exitance and spread of Legionella.
Fire Risk Assessments:
Fire Risk Assessment is a thorough inspection of place of business or residence to gather visual information if any fire hazards exist, if they could cause harm, quantify the level of risk and how best they can be removed.
Commercial EPC:
Energy Performance Certificate for office buildings, mixed used, commercial and industrial properties. A certificate required for rental or sale of any commercial property.
Property Inventories:
Rental property inventory services, including one off inventories, check ins, check outs, interim reports and mid term reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it necessary to have an asbestos survey performed on a property?
If asbestos is disturbed or damaged and its fibres are released into the air, it can pose a serious health risk. An asbestos survey is required to determine the presence and location of ACMs in a property, as well as to create a plan for managing and mitigating the risks associated with these materials.
This is necessary to ensure the property’s and its occupants’ safety, as well as to comply with applicable health and safety regulations.
Who is in charge of conducting an asbestos survey on a property?
The responsibility for conducting an asbestos survey on a property is determined by the property’s specific circumstances and the intended use of the survey. In general, the owner or manager of the property is responsible for conducting an asbestos survey and implementing any recommended actions. Landlords, property managers, and business owners may be included.
Is it mandatory to have an asbestos survey performed on a property?
It is not a legal requirement in the United Kingdom to have an asbestos survey performed on a property unless it is a commercial or public building. It is, however, recommended that all properties be inspected for the presence of ACMs, as asbestos can pose a serious health risk if not properly managed.
Is it mandatory for landlords to have an asbestos survey performed on their rental properties?
Landlords are not required by law to have an asbestos survey performed on their rental properties, but they must take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their tenants. This includes recognising and managing any potential hazards, such as ACMs.
How frequently should an asbestos survey be performed on a property?
The frequency of asbestos surveys will be determined by the property’s specific circumstances and the presence of ACMs. In general, an asbestos survey should be performed at least every three years, or more frequently if there are significant changes to the property or if any identified hazards exist.