Asbestos poses significant risks to human health, with potential exposure leading to severe and debilitating medical conditions. It is common in older buildings. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your building is asbestos-free, or if there is any present, you need to manage it correctly. This is where asbestos surveys come in. This blog post explores the importance of asbestos surveys, including the various types available and the benefits of conducting one on your property.
What Is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is a procedure designed to identify the type, amount, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present in your building. The survey involves carefully assessing the entire property, including the roof, walls, ceilings, floors and any hidden areas, such as lofts and cellars, to identify areas containing asbestos. An accredited asbestos surveyor will carry out an inspection of your building, taking samples of any materials suspected of containing asbestos for further analysis.
Types
These surveys serve the purpose of assessing and evaluating asbestos presence, contributing to enhanced clarity and safety measures. A management survey is a non-destructive survey designed to locate and assess any ACMs present in the building. A refurbishment and demolition survey, on the other hand, is a more intrusive survey. Before undertaking significant refurbishment or demolition, it is crucial to conduct an asbestos survey to identify and safely eliminate any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This proactive measure ensures that all ACMs are removed prior to commencing the work. Protect your building and the people involved by prioritizing an asbestos survey before any demolition or refurbishment project.
Why Have an Asbestos Survey?
As mentioned earlier, asbestos is a dangerous material, and exposure to it can cause severe respiratory problems, including cancer. The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify the presence of ACMs in the building and assess their condition. Once identified, the asbestos-containing materials can then be safely managed or removed, reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos for anyone occupying the building.
The Cost of an Asbestos Survey
The expense associated with an asbestos survey can fluctuate based on factors such as property size and the specific type of survey needed. However, the cost of an asbestos survey is minimal compared to the cost of managing or removing asbestos-contaminated materials. Moreover, ignoring the presence of asbestos in your building can be detrimental to your health and can lead to costly legal battles. The cost of complying with regulations and carrying out an asbestos survey is negligible compared to the cost of litigation, and the protection that it affords you, your family, and your employees is priceless.
An asbestos survey is an essential process that property owners must undertake to ensure the safety of their building occupants. Having an accredited asbestos surveyor assess your building can identify any ACMs present, providing you with a report detailing the location, type, and condition of the materials. Armed with the asbestos survey results, you will have a clear picture of your building’s condition, allowing you to manage or remove any ACMs present safely.
Contact a local company to learn more about scheduling an asbestos survey.
