Asbestos Surveys

In January 2010 the HSE issued a new guidance document relating to asbestos surveying, this is called HSG264 asbestos: the surveyors guide. You can purchase a copy from the HSE or download a free PDF version by clicking here.

Within the new guide there is a lot more emphasis on clients and dutyholders with information to help you decide what type of survey you require, what to expect from a competent surveyor and also what the client should provide to the surveyor. There are more requirements for surveyors in relation to staff competency and training, survey methods, survey caveats, reporting and presentation of results.

Some of the main changes have been to survey terminology, no longer are there Type 1, 2 or 3 surveys, now they are referred to as Management, Refurbishment and Demolition surveys respectively.

Asbestos Management Survey
The purpose of an Asbestos Management Survey is to locate the presence of any asbestos containing materials or ACM’s which could be damaged or disturbed during normal building occupancy. This should incorporate all areas of the premises, including all maintenance areas. This is the survey type you will require for the management of asbestos in any existing premises.

Asbestos Refurbishment Survey
The key requirement of an Asbestos Refurbishment Survey is to locate asbestos containing materials prior to the commencement of any refurbishment works. The scope of the survey should be directly related to the planned works, whether this is a new kitchen or the entire refurbishment of an office block. The asbestos surveying company should be provided with as much information about the project as possible. For example if you are refurbishing a canteen within a set of offices, as part of the works, you may be updating the services that link to the canteen, so questions need to be asked, such as … where do the services come from? and … will the contractors be accessing plant within a separate boiler or plant room?

Asbestos Demolition Survey
Essential to an Asbestos Demolition Survey is the necessity to locate any asbestos containing materials prior to the demolition of a building. As with a Refurbishment Survey all areas effected by the demolition need to be included in the survey.

Asbestos has been used in a number of locations over the years and some of these may not be accessible during the survey. For example hidden rooms and shuttering within concrete structures may contain asbestos. Consequently as part of the demolition process a qualified surveyor should be present to help identify any asbestos containing materials as the building is coming down.

Who to use to carry out an Asbestos Survey?
It is essential duty holders employ a properly qualified company to carry out an asbestos survey. By using the services of an ATAC Member Company you are assured that that company is suitably qualified. All ATAC members are vetted for the appropriate UKAS accreditation for the services offered and undergo stringent checks. We request no less than 5 references from previous clients. We check Public & Employers liability insurance cover for work with asbestos, and that their Professional indemnity insurance is commensurate with the level of trading undertaken.

The ATaC website has a full list of members that cover the whole of the UK. Click here to view.