| The aim of any asbestos survey is to keep people safe and offer peace of mind that you’re adhering to the legislative requirements regarding asbestos. Asbestos is harmful to those that come into contact with it and breathe the particles in, so it’s imperative to have an up to date asbestos survey if your property is older. There are many reliable asbestos surveyors and removal companies that can be found online. Make sure to specify your area to find one near you, for example searching ‘asbestos survey essex’ will yield you more relevant results if you live in Essex. For some properties, asbestos surveys are legally required, however for others it can just be strongly suggested.
5 Reasons Why You Might Need An Asbestos Survey
Section 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 contains the duty to manage law. This is aimed at owners of non-domestic properties built before 2000, these owners have a responsibility to protect employees and those that use the building from asbestos exposure. Some examples of such properties are: factories, warehouses, offices, shops and hospitals.
Another reason you may need an asbestos survey is if the premises, or part of it, needs refurbishing or demolishing beyond the scope of the original survey. This type of survey is used to locate all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building, and to remove them so the property is prepared for being knocked down or renovated. Demolition asbestos surveys can be more invasive as it is intended to investigate beyond previous surveys. If asbestos is found, a specialist company will need to remove it, as once airborne the fibres can cause harm to health.
Whether you’re buying or selling a property, there is no legislation that requires an asbestos survey, however it is becoming increasingly recommended. When buying a property, it can give you peace of mind if an asbestos survey is carried out prior to purchase. Additionally, if you’re planning works or renovation, it can be better to carry the survey out sooner rather than later so you’re aware of what needs taking care of. When selling a property, an asbestos survey can be an investment as you can confidently tell potential buyers that there is not any. This can be a major positive if they’re planning to renovate.
Another reason to carry out an asbestos survey is if you’re a landlord of a commercial or residential property. You have a duty of care to carry out an asbestos survey in all common areas. These common areas can often be overlooked and can include (but aren’t limited to) places such as staircases, lifts and corridors.
Recently, IT, electrical and heating companies are increasingly asking for asbestos surveys before installation of cables or system upgrades. It may also need to be a demolition survey rather than a management survey. This ensures any action undertaken by the IT, electrical and heating companies will not disturb any asbestos. These are just the main reasons that you may need to have an asbestos survey. It’s important to keep up to date on any legislative changes that are made, especially if you’re a landlord or own multiple properties. Keeping others safe from asbestos is incredibly important for their future health and if this isn’t kept an eye on, there can be serious legal consequences. Stay safe and get an asbestos survey today from a trusted company. |
