Understanding asbestos surveys is crucial. Especially for those who use commercial or industrial buildings that were either constructed, repaired or refurbished before the year 2000 (since the final UK ban on asbestos occurred in 1999).
If any of the above applies to you, keep reading for an essential guide to understanding asbestos surveys – including the different types, the processes involved, how to tell if you need one and the methods used.
What Is An Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building or structure to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This involves taking bulk samples of potential ACMs and sending them off to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for testing. Positive materials will then be assessed on product type, asbestos type, condition and surface treatment. Recommendations can then be made for each item.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an asbestos survey aims to:
- Detect the location and amount of ACMs present.
- Establish the condition of the ACMs and whether asbestos remediation services are required.
- Produce an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan for the premises.
- Find any hidden ACMs and plan for their removal before refurbishment work or demolition.
Any areas that asbestos consultants did not access should be noted within the report, along with the reasons why.
What Types Of Asbestos Surveys Are There?
There are two main types of asbestos surveys – Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys and Asbestos Management Surveys.
Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Surveys
Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (also referred to as R&D surveys) involve locating and identifying all ACMs, including hidden items within the fabric of the building, before any refurbishment or demolition works take place at your premises.
The methods involved in R&D surveys are invasive, as it is a legal requirement for all ACMs to be removed (as far as reasonably practicable) before major refurbishment or demolition. This means they are needed for older buildings that pose a higher risk of containing ACMs, as well as a higher risk of expired asbestos survey reports. The area must be unoccupied during an R&D survey.
Asbestos Management Surveys
Asbestos Management Surveys (previously known as type 2 asbestos surveys) allow the dutyholder of a building to produce an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan should any ACMs be identified. This will help you manage ACMs during normal occupation and use of the premises.
According to the HSE, a management survey should include the inspection of the following areas:
- All rooms, corridors, stairs, basements, cellars, underground rooms and undercrofts.
- Underfloor coverings, ceiling voids, lofts, inside risers, service ducts and lift shafts.
- External areas including roofs, soffits, gutters and windows.
- Other areas susceptible to disturbance due to maintenance activities, e.g. behind access hatches.
If certain areas cannot be accessed during the survey, these areas will be presumed to contain asbestos. This means they must be managed accordingly until they can be inspected at a later date.
How Do I Know If I Need An Asbestos Survey?
If your building was constructed before the year 2000, and you are planning building work, redevelopment, demolition or repairs – you should obtain an asbestos survey. This will not only ensure that you remain compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (2012), but it will also guarantee that all users of your building will be safe from asbestos exposure.
Can I Carry Out An Asbestos Survey Myself?
Only a trained, competent asbestos surveyor should carry out asbestos surveys, as it is hugely important that all surveys are conducted in line with health and safety regulations.
Both surveys we offer are fully compliant and our surveying teams are fully qualified to a minimum of BOHS P402. Their breadth of experience spans multiple property types, from residential to large multi-purpose industrial and commercial sites.
Get A Free Asbestos Survey Quote Today
If your building is due to undergo refurbishment or demolition works, or it was built before the year 2000 but hasn’t been checked for asbestos, you should obtain an asbestos survey. Contact us today to get your free quote from our licensed asbestos consultants.
