What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is a survey that assesses if materials, typically in domestic or commercial properties (but can also include soils or other man made containers such as ships, oil rigs and utilities facilities) for asbestos containing materials.

A ‘material assessment’ is required to:

1. Find an asbestos containing material (ACM) and record what it is, where it is and how much there is

2. Record how accessible it is, its condition, and any surface treatment

3. Record the asbestos type, by sampling and analysis, or by presuming

Do I need an asbestos survey?

Any building, domestic or commercial, in the UK built prior to the year 2000 may contain asbestos. Asbestos can remain in a building and be managed in-situ. Asbestos only becomes a problem once it’s disturbed, and asbestos fibres become airborne. Using preventative measures to control the risks of  exposure to asbestos dust will protect against related illness and fatal diseases and will be a first step, as the duty holder, to achieving compliance.

What type of asbestos survey do I need?

There are 4 different types of asbestos survey available:

1.  Asbestos Management Survey - previously known as a type 2 asbestos survey, this survey is a minimum requirement for all non-domestic premises. It identifies all of the asbestos containing materials (ACM) that could potentially be disturbed during the normal occupancy of the building. 

2. Asbestos Re-Inspection Survey - for this type of survey to be undertaken an existing asbestos survey or asbestos register should be in place. Re-inspection asbestos surveys are designed to allow a competent person to monitor and record the condition of any previously identified asbestos products within a building.

3.  Asbestos Pre Refurbishment Survey - previously known as a type 3 asbestos survey this survey is required when specific plans of refurbishment or modernisation works are given to the asbestos surveyor. This survey, unlike the asbestos management survey, is intrusive and requires access to all areas of the building.

4.  Pre Demolition Asbestos Survey  - this asbestos survey identifies all possible ACMs within the building/area.

Can I undertake an asbestos survey myself?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2012) states that the team carrying out the survey must possess sufficient information, instruction and training to carry out the assessment. You need to ensure that the supplier you use is competent enough to trust with your asbestos risks so that you can be assured your team, building occupants and surrounding environment is protected from the harmful effects of asbestos.

In order to ensure that the risk associated with asbestos containing materials is assessed correctly, an asbestos survey holding specific certifications should be employed. Having a UKAS accredited asbestos consultancy undertake this inspection will ensure that you are provided with a clear report with necessary recommendations.

What are my responsibilities?

If you are the duty holder, you are required to manage your asbestos risks in line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. Ensuring you know your asbestos survey requirements for you project is key to protecting people and the environment.

Lucion Services is UKAS accredited and the UK’s market leader in asbestos management. Our asbestos management team can help you to manage your asbestos risks correctly and protect individuals and the environment from asbestos exposure.

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