Asbestos Surveys

We provide a ‘no obligation’ quotation service to clients, and our surveys are carried out by our professionally trained and experienced surveyors.  All surveys follow the criteria set out in the HSE guidance document HSG264 (HSG 264 Asbestos Guide has been developed by the Health and Safety Executive) and comply with The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

We undertake both Asbestos Management and Refurbishment/Pre-Demolition surveys on all types of buildings.

There are two types of survey for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)

• Management Surveys

• Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Where is asbestos found?

Asbestos could be present in any building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000. Search the property using asbestosvision to see where asbestos could be hiding.

The key to an effective survey is the planning. The degree of planning and preparation will depend on the extent and complexity of the building portfolio. Single, simple one-storey factory buildings will be different from a school or a large hospital complex. Surveys on sites with many and variable types of buildings will need considerable planning and prioritising. The principles to be used in planning/structuring and conducting the survey will be similar in all cases. The survey is not about just turning up and taking samples. There needs to be a sufficient initial exchange of information between the dutyholder or client and the surveyor and a clear understanding by both parties of what is required. The information will be used to form the contract between the dutyholder and the surveyor including where the survey is performed in-house.

Management Survey

We provide a free no obligation survey to all of our customers, our qualified and experienced personnel visit and discuss customers exact requirements and provide a written quotation to cover the proposed works.

The Management Survey purpose is required to manage ACM (what is this)  during the normal occupation and use of premises.  The duty-holder can make a Management Survey where the premises are simple and straightforward, otherwise, a surveyor is needed.

A Management Survey aims to ensure that:

• nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of ACM in the premises or equipment
• that the ACM remain in good condition
• that nobody disturbs it accidentally

The Survey must locate ACM that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance, or by installing new equipment.  It involves minor intrusion and minor asbestos disturbance to make a Materials Assessment.  This shows the ability of ACM, if disturbed, to release fibres into the air.  It guides the client, eg in prioritising any remedial work.

Refurbishment / Demolition Survey

The Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition.  The Survey does not need a record of the ACM condition.  Normally, a surveyor is needed for Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys.

• A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey aims to ensure that nobody will be harmed by work on ACM in the premises or equipment, such work will be done by the right contractor in the right way

The Survey must locate and identify all ACM before any structural work begins at a stated location or on stated equipment at the premises.  It involves destructive inspection and asbestos disturbance.  The area surveyed must be vacated, and certified ‘fit for reoccupation’ after the survey.

Information the client/dutyholder should expect from the surveyor

• Surveyor(s) identity, qualifications, accreditation or certification status, quality control procedures.
• References from previous work.
• Insurance (professional indemnity cover).
• Costs.
• Proposed scope of work.
• Plan of work, including plans for sampling or asbestos disturbance.
• Timetable.
• Details of caveats.
• Report, including areas not accessed/not surveyed

Who is the duty holder?

Who is the Duty Holder?
All those who have responsibility for the maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises have duties under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006: Regulation 4.
The duty holder may well be a:

• landlord
• tenant
• managing agent
• or any combination of these

How do duty holders comply?

There are three essential steps:

• Evaluate whether the premises contains asbestos, and, if so, where it is and in what condition it is. If in doubt, materials must be presumed to contain asbestos;
• assess the risk.
• make a plan to manage that risk and act on it.

For more details see HSE: Duty Holder Guidelines