The Asbestos Management Survey Explained – Part One

First of all, a quick explanation of exactly what an asbestos survey is.  According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an asbestos survey is an “effective way to help manage asbestos in your premises by providing accurate information about the location, amount and type of any asbestos containing materials (ACMs)”.

Any buildings in the UK constructed before 2000 should be presumed to contain asbestos, but it’s still a good idea to have a survey carried out, particularly in commercial premises or in domestic premises that are due to be refurbished/remodelled in any way.  An asbestos survey will identify the location of any asbestos (or ACMs), the type of asbestos involved and the condition of the asbestos.

There are two types of asbestos survey available -  a management survey and a refurbishment and demolition survey and this article aims to explain what an Asbestos Management Survey is so that you can get information on which type of survey best suits your needs, whatever your circumstances and situation.

Asbestos Management Survey – this is designed to locate (as far as reasonably practicable) the presence and extent of any asbestos or ACMs in a building.  The asbestos (or ACMs) will be thoroughly checked for damage or deterioration during everyday use and a risk assessment of the asbestos (or ACMs) will be made and documented on an asbestos register.  A Management Survey may involve a certain amount of intrusive work or disturbance, depending on the type of building and the construction methods used.

The Survey may involve sampling and analysis in order to confirm whether or not asbestos is present.  The Survey will include a detailed assessment of the condition of the ACMs and whether they are likely to release asbestos fibres into the environment if they become damaged or disturbed in any way.  This information can represent an initial guide on the priority for managing ACMs.

If asbestos is discovered, then an Asbestos Management Plan will be necessary under Regulation 4 (Duty to Manage) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2012).  The Asbestos Management Plan should outline how you mean to manage your asbestos and minimize any risks.  Any asbestos or ACMs found in this survey will need to be inspected annually for damage or deterioration and the Asbestos Management Plan drawn up as a result of the initial Asbestos Management Survey will need to be updated accordingly to ensure that it is current at all times.

The Asbestos Management Survey will need to be carried out by a fully experienced surveyor who holds a BOHS Proficiency Certificate in ‘Building Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos’ or RSPH Level 3 Certificate in Asbestos Inspection Procedures.  Check online for a reputable Asbestos professionals with experience in the industry who will cater for your individual requirements.