Services: Surveys
Surveys of buildings for asbestos materials take various forms depending on a client's need and the present uses of the building. However, to ensure compliance with the current Regulations an asbestos survey should have been carried out on all non-domestic buildings in the UK prior to May 2004. By carrying out an asbestos survey, a risk assessment can be produced that should prevent or reduce exposure by highlighting the presence of any asbestos material before work commences.
The ultimate aim of a survey is to prevent many unnecessary deaths in years to come by assessing and controlling potentially hazardous working environments. The three basic types of asbestos surveys are outlined in the HSE publication 'MDHS 100 - Surveying, sampling and assessment of asbestos containing materials' . The theory behind each of the survey types has been simplified to aid the selection process.
Assuming a material is free from asbestos when it is not could result in prosecution if workers or building occupants are exposed during building works. During a survey, information is gathered such as its location, condition, product type, associated occupant activity and likelihood of disturbance.
Type 1 (Walk through survey) |
A basic walk through survey where the experienced surveyor would advise the client of any suspect materials.
No samples would be taken, and access to floor ducts, risers, lofts etc may not be gained. However a summary report is produced detailing locations of any suspect materials and recommendations for action.
A Type 1 survey is typically carried out where sampling would not be practical – e.g. occupied building or pre-purchase advice to client.
Although this is the cheapest asbestos survey available, the surveyor cannot be held responsible for any materials found later that were inaccessible during the walk through, and can subsequently be seen as a false economy. |
Type 2 (Detailed survey) |
A thorough survey of a building with collection of samples for analysis.
Inspection of ducts, risers, floor/ceiling voids, lift shafts etc. From this survey a detailed Asbestos Register for the building and risk assessment is produced together with advice on any remedial action required.
Typically carried out prior to planned building works, purchase/sale of building, for on-going management of asbestos materials in occupied areas, or reassurance purposes for staff/unions.
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Type 3 (Detailed and intrusive) |
Surveying will be required prior to major refurbishment/demolition in order to detect asbestos materials concealed within the fabric of the building.
Early identification of such materials prior to demolition/refurbishment work may be advantageous in avoiding project time delays awaiting HSE notification and asbestos removal, as well as reducing the risks to construction workers.
A Type 3 survey is generally only applicable to un-occupied buildings, due to the damage caused by intrusive surveying methods.
In all cases an Asbestos Register is produced incorporating plans, sample locations, Certificate of Analysis (where samples have been taken), photographs and recommendations.
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A UKAS accredited laboratory must undertake analysis of all samples.
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