Surveys

Here at Asbestos Consultants to the Environment, part of the AcePSI Group, we have capabilities to survey sites across the whole of the UK, advising on which type of survey is required, and discussing the methods and procedures involved in carrying out an appropriate assessment of asbestos-containing materials suspected to be present. The purpose of the survey is to help manage asbestos in the duty holder’s premises. This usually requires a comprehensive survey of premises to determine the location of all asbestos-containing materials, either on a presumed, strongly-presumed or confirmed basis.

It is best practice to carry out the sampling aspects of a survey when the building is least occupied, for example after normal working hours, at weekends or even better when the property is vacant. Asbestos can be an emotive and sensitive issue, and although our surveyors will always be as unobtrusive as possible whilst carrying out their inspection, it is often best to arrange the work in such a way as to minimise disruption and undue concern.

Under new guidance (HSG264) there are now 2 different types of survey: Management Surveys and Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys. A management survey will be required during the normal occupation and use of the building to ensure continued management of the ACMs in situ. A refurbishment or demolition survey will be necessary when the building (or part of it) is to be upgraded, refurbished or demolished.

The following guidance has been prepared by the HSE (with the help of others) to help people carrying out asbestos surveys and those with specific responsibilities for managing the risks from asbestos in non-domestic premises under regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR 2006).

• 1. Management Survey (previously type 1 & 2 surveys)

A management survey is the standard survey. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition. Management surveys will often involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance. The extent of intrusion will vary between premises and depend on what is reasonably practicable for individual properties, i.e. it will depend on factors such as the type of building, the nature of construction, accessibility etc. A management survey should include an assessment of the condition of the various ACMs and their ability to release fibres into the air if they are disturbed in some way. This ‘material assessment’ will give a good initial guide to the priority for managing ACMs as it will identify the materials which will most readily release airborne fibres if they are disturbed.

• 2. Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (previously type 3 surveys)

A refurbishment and demolition survey is needed before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. This type of survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work will take place or in the whole building if demolition is planned. The survey will be fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. A refurbishment and demolition survey may also be required in other circumstances, eg when more intrusive maintenance and repair work will be carried out or for plant removal or dismantling.

There is a specific requirement in CAR 2006 (regulation 7) for all ACMs to be removed as far as reasonably practicable before major refurbishment or final demolition. Refurbishment and demolition surveys should only be conducted in unoccupied areas to minimise risks to the public or employees on the premises.

For more information please download the official Asbestos: The survey guide courtesy of the Health & Safety Executive