Two types of asbestos survey: which one is right for me?

Asbestos is a dangerous material when not handled correctly and is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in UK. As a result of this, asbestos surveys are required by law when asbestos is found in buildings. There are two types of asbestos surveys; Management Asbestos and Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Surveys. So which survey do you need, and when do you need to conduct an asbestos survey?

Asbestos Management Surveys

As the name suggests, a management asbestos is necessary when asbestos containing materials are expected to be present, but are not going to be disturbed. This type of survey is necessary if you are the duty holder of any non-domestic building built before 2000 as the use of asbestos containing materials wasn’t banned until 1999. Whilst management asbestos surveys are not usually required for domestic buildings, they are required for communal areas in flats or houses of multiple occupancy. Communal areas include corridors and foyers, for example.

A management survey will usually include a visual inspection of asbestos containing materials, assessing the condition and any risk involved with normal usage. A surveyor may take minimal samples to be sent for analysis or presume some materials are without samples based on their own judgement. A management survey will provide you with all the necessary information to manage and monitor any asbestos containing materials. A surveyor will prepare an asbestos registry and present you with an asbestos management plan. No further action will be required, providing the asbestos materials found do not present any risk to normal occupancy. 

Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Surveys

A refurbishment and demolition survey is required when carrying out any construction or renovation work in all buildings built before 2000. This type of survey is comprehensive and in-depth to ensure that any asbestos containing materials are found and removed to prevent risk of fatal diseases and illness. Asbestos only becomes dangerous once disturbed, hence why a comprehensive survey by a qualified, license professional is required.

As a refurbishment and demolition survey is much more comprehensive than a management survey, you may be required to vacate the building during the survey to ensure any occupants are not exposed to asbestos. A surveyor will take multiple samples of materials and send them off to a specialist laboratory for testing. This is to ensure that all types of asbestos are found, this includes materials within the building structure that may be hidden behind other materials. It should be noted that you are not required to have the entire building surveyed if you are only carrying out one in one room or area. 

It is vital that no construction, renovation or demolition work is carried out until the analysis of the samples has been carried out, and you have received the results from the laboratory. Some asbestos materials come with a license and if your building contains any licensed asbestos materials, work will need to be carried out by a licensed contractor. 

If you would like any further advice on the which survey is right for you or when you may need to conduct a survey, please contact our experienced team who will be able to assist you.

Can you live in a house that has asbestos in?

Knowing how dangerous asbestos can be makes finding it in your home very scary. You are likely to have lots of questions running through your head about safety, we’ve got the answers to your questions, so if you are wondering whether it is safe to live in a home that has a presence of asbestos, continue reading.

Firstly, if you do think your home contains asbestos, don’t panic! Contact an asbestos survey or your local authority, who will also be able to provide you with guidance of the next steps to take.

Where is asbestos found in houses?

If you live in an older property that was built before 1999, there is a possibility that asbestos materials may have been used as in 1999, the UK government banned the use of asbestos containing materials. 

There are two main types of asbestos, firmly bound and loosely bound. Firmly bound asbestos materials include vinyl floor tiles, artificial brick cladding and vinyl floor tiles, to name a few. The second type of asbestos is loosely bound. Loosely bound asbestos containing materials include insulation for ceilings, heaters and hot water pipes.

Is it safe to leave the asbestos in my house undisturbed?

In short, yes if you don’t plan on carrying out any building or renovation work. Asbestos is only harmful when the fires are exposed, if asbestos is left undisturbed no airborne particles will be released. However, asbestos shouldn’t be ignored and you should contact an asbestos surveyor to carry out a survey. Head to our blog to find out which asbestos survey you will need. If you are planning any work in the new future, it is vital you get the asbestos removed by a qualified, licensed professional. If you do find asbestos in your home, it is always best to have the area inspected by professionals, as the effects of asbestos exposure can take up to 30 years to present themselves.

Can I remove the asbestos in my home myself?

Whilst it is not illegal to remove asbestos yourself, it is strongly advised against. We recommend hiring a qualified, experienced, professional to remove the asbestos in your home as lots of precautions need to be taken to minimise exposure. For example, protective clothing should be worn along with gloves and a mask with a special filter cartridge that traps asbestos fibres. All surfaces should be covered with plastic sheets to catch any loose fibres, and any asbestos containing materials must be disposed off correctly by a licensed professional. Asbestos is a dangerous material when handled incorrectly and should be handled by those with the correct qualifications to ensure minimal exposure.

Who can help me remove asbestos?

After conducting a survey to confirm whether asbestos is present, contact a professional asbestos remover. For further information on who is best to help you remove asbestos from your home, please see our blog on ‘How to choose an asbestos removal company’. We are always happy to advise and answer any questions you may have about the presence of asbestos in your home, so please don’t hesitate to contact our team.