With UKAS accredited laboratories* across the UK, we can undertake the full range of asbestos surveys adhering to the latest HSE guidance. This includes asbestos bulk sampling and asbestos analysis in accordance with ISO17020 and the techniques set out in HSG248 and HSG264.
Asbestos Management Survey
This is the standard asbestos survey that should be carried out for the continued management of asbestos in premises. The purpose of the asbestos survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of suspect ACMs in the building and assess their condition. Although sampling is the most common approach that has been used for surveys, an asbestos survey can also involve presuming the presence of asbestos.
An asbestos survey can therefore be completed, using a combination of sampling ACMs and presuming ACMs. Any materials presumed to contain asbestos must also have their condition assessed (ie material assessment).
Asbestos surveys may 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 – agreement on this aspect of the survey should be reached between the client/dutyholder and the surveyor. Factors that can affect the extent of intrusion include the type of building, the nature of construction, accessibility etc.
Read our blog to find out more about the role of an Asbestos Analyst during a removal project
Asbestos management
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
A refurbishment and demolition 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 involve destructive inspection as necessary, to gain access to all locations, including those that may be difficult to reach. Refurbishment work may vary from relatively small to large projects. Small scale work may occur in different parts of a building at different times over several years. A full asbestos sampling programme is undertaken in these areas to identify possible ACMs and to obtain estimates of the volume and surface area of the ACMs present.
The refurbishment and demolition survey is primarily designed to identify ACMs so that they can be removed in preparation for the refurbishment or demolition. It is possible to use the two survey types in different parts of a building particularly where refurbishment work is in a limited area. Due to the intrusive nature of refurbishment and demolition surveys, it is recommended that the areas affected are not occupied at the time of the asbestos survey taking place.
A refurbishment and demolition 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 involve destructive inspection as necessary, to gain access to all locations, including those that may be difficult to reach. Refurbishment work may vary from relatively small to large projects. Small scale work may occur in different parts of a building at different times over several years. A full asbestos sampling programme is undertaken in these areas to identify possible ACMs and to obtain estimates of the volume and surface area of the ACMs present.
The refurbishment and demolition survey is primarily designed to identify ACMs so that they can be removed in preparation for the refurbishment or demolition. It is possible to use the two survey types in different parts of a building particularly where refurbishment work is in a limited area. Due to the intrusive nature of refurbishment and demolition surveys, it is recommended that the areas affected are not occupied at the time of the asbestos survey taking place.
Asbestos management
Asbestos Statutory Re-inspections
Additionally, our qualified surveyors will perform a thorough visual inspection and assessment of the asbestos containing materials identified in the asbestos register in accordance with ACoP L143. There is a requirement for Duty Holders to arrange for asbestos materials to be re-inspected at regular intervals. Risk changes are recorded and the management plan updated. Recommendations for new control measures are given where required.
Additionally, our qualified surveyors will perform a thorough visual inspection and assessment of the asbestos containing materials identified in the asbestos register in accordance with ACoP L143. There is a requirement for Duty Holders to arrange for asbestos materials to be re-inspected at regular intervals. Risk changes are recorded and the management plan updated. Recommendations for new control measures are given where required.
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