Asbestos is commonly known to be harmful as it can cause serious health ailments. That is why several governments around the world have banned it. The material is mainly found in construction products. This makes asbestos surveys Hampshire very important and mandatory. Some laws make them a must before or during construction activities. Surveyors carry specialised equipment that makes the work simple.
There are two types of surveys that one can conduct. The nature of the assessment depends on the kind of building and the activities that are taking place. Big projects require more construction materials than smaller ones. This particular factor determines which survey needs to be implemented. It is important to leave this to the professionals.
Management asbestos survey and refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey are the two types of surveys used.
Asbestos was once a common and very popular building material used in homes and other structures. However, due to conforming complaints from homeowners and the health risks of this toxic material, some countries have banned its usage for new construction. This can lead to two different types of asbestos survey conditions: one is when the material has already been pinpointed in an older building or structure(s). The other is when an entire area or region is being evaluated as part of a cleanup plan because it contains asbestos-tainted material.
Why Will You Need an Asbestos Survey?
- In the UK, asbestos came into use in the early 1900s. It was increasingly used in construction activities throughout the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
- Asbestos was very popular in those times, and almost all buildings built during that period contained it.
- It is not easy to determine the presence of asbestos just by looking at it. That is why expert intervention is necessary.
- Good asbestos testing can help exercise, and a lot of lives can be saved. Therefore, asbestos testing must be done quickly.
- The materials can resemble normal plasterboard or concrete products at any construction site.
Management Asbestos Survey
It is the simplest type of asbestos survey. It includes the management of the amount of asbestos. The users of the building are informed about the asbestos content and are told to be careful. The percentage of the material is closely monitored, and any kind of fluctuation in it is noted.
The management survey is a kind of visual examination. Provisions for asbestos re-inspection can be arranged in this case. The procedure includes the collection of minimum samples. The survey should be conducted in buildings that were built before 2000. Control of Asbestos Regulations lays down the norms for people in charge of maintaining a property.
What is the Right Time to Conduct a Management Asbestos Survey?
- The normal occupation of a building is the perfect duration for the assessment. Residential buildings have to be pre-2000 to be valid for the test.
- Private structures can also contain asbestos, but the law does not make it mandatory for them to undergo this survey.
- Commercial properties are riskier than private ones because more people visit them.
- The survey should not be delayed as minute asbestos particles cannot be detected with the naked eye.
- The part of the building that contains the most amount of asbestos is kept off limit by the management.
- Property owners who neglect the survey are penalised by the authority. Thus, a quick step is necessary in this regard.
Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey
Asbestos gets spread mostly during construction activities. People near the source can easily inhale the fibres. They get vulnerable to fatal pulmonary diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. There are no immediate effects, but people can face dire consequences in 20 years. This asbestos survey is conducted when a building is getting refurbished or demolished.
The survey should be executed before the initiation of the construction work. It includes activities like extensions and maintenance. This inspection is very different from the other one. The refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is a more detailed exercise. A lot of people and machines are involved in the exercise. Buildings are usually vacated for this survey.
What is the Right Time to Conduct a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey?
- This asbestos survey is carried out before the start of a construction project. Buildings built before 2000 are likely to face this assessment.
- The test is applicable for private as well as commercial properties. It should be carried out under the guidance of a certified surveyor.
Conclusion
Asbestos can be found in construction materials or in buildings that were built before 2000. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations, every property must undergo asbestos testing. Authority cautions the general public because asbestos is harmful to health. A complete asbestos-free environment is necessary for the sustenance of life.
It is important to find out how and when asbestos was used in construction materials. Only then can we prepare a strategy to detect and clean up any harmful substances. You can maintain a healthy environment with the right actions taken beforehand. The future of your family will depend on the solution you take.
If the property is a private residence then the owner should comply with the measures irrespective of whether or not any family member is suffering from asbestos-related disease. It also doesn’t matter if a property has been tested before. In addition, asbestos may be present in both hazardous and non-hazardous concentrations. Now that you know how the asbestos surveys are conducted it will be easier for you to ask for help. You won’t get exposed to any substance that may cause harm if handled improperly. No matter what your surroundings, the environment in your home or office must be safe for you and all others to live with.
