Asbestos is a group of microscopic fibrous minerals that, when inhaled, can cause serious and life-threatening illnesses. Because of this, asbestos surveys and testing are a vital part of any renovation or demolition project. A qualified asbestos surveyor is a professional who specialises in identifying and assessing the presence of asbestos in building materials. They can also provide guidance on the safest way to remove or contain any asbestos that is found at a property.
The need for an asbestos removal companies near me survey often arises when a property is due for sale or refurbishment work is taking place. However, it is also necessary for any private homebuyer who wants to be sure their new property is free from asbestos and that they can safely live there. A qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor can conduct a comprehensive asbestos inspection and produce a detailed report to help the property buyer make an informed decision about buying the property.
Choosing an asbestos surveyor near me is crucial to ensure the job is carried out properly and safely. An accredited asbestos specialist will use the latest technology to test for asbestos in building materials and ensure that any samples taken are accurate. They will also have access to the most up-to-date health and safety information so that they can carry out their work in accordance with all relevant legislation and industry standards.
There are various different types of asbestos survey available, depending on the type of property and its potential hazards. A management survey will usually be the least intrusive, and will involve sampling only suspect asbestos materials. A re-occupation survey is more detailed, and will require the property to be vacated so that extensive samples can be taken. A pre-demolition asbestos survey is the most intrusive, and will involve destructive inspection and disturbance in order to inspect all areas of the property for asbestos.
The time it takes for the surveyor to carry out on-site tests and get the results back from the lab varies between companies, but generally speaking it can take up to two or three weeks for standard laboratory analysis. Many companies offer a premium service that can get the results back to clients in a shorter period of time, but this comes at an additional cost.
Once the surveyor has been given permission to carry out the work, they will need to return to the property after any works have been completed to see if all the asbestos has been removed effectively. An asbestos post-removal inspection will also be needed to verify that the site is safe for reoccupation. The results of the inspection will be provided to the client in a full report, including recommendations on how to manage any asbestos found at the property going forward.