Key Steps in a Comprehensive Asbestos Survey

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant nature, durability and low cost. However, asbestos has been linked to a number of serious health conditions including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. This is why it is important to identify the presence of asbestos within a building to minimize the risk of exposure to its harmful fibers. Asbestos surveys are an essential tool for identifying and managing asbestos in buildings. In this article, we will discuss the importance of asbestos survey, their types, and the regulations that govern them.

Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. The presence of asbestos can be easily missed, which poses a significant health risk. Surveys can be carried out by a licensed surveyor who uses specialized equipment to take samples of materials and confirm their asbestos content. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis and the surveyor produces a report outlining the location and condition of the ACMs found.

There are two types of asbestos surveys, which are Type 1 and Type 2 surveys. Type 1 surveys are non-intrusive and are used to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building. This type of survey is useful when the building is to undergo refurbishment. Type 2 surveys are more intrusive and involve the removal of a sample of the material suspected to contain asbestos. This survey type is useful when a Type 1 survey has found the presence of asbestos that is suspected to be disturbed during the proposed refurbishment.

Asbestos surveys are not just essential for identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials, but also for managing their risk. An asbestos management plan is a legal requirement for all non-domestic buildings that contain asbestos. This plan outlines information on all ACMs present within a building, identifies their condition, and outlines any remedial actions required to manage their risk. The plan should also include a plan for periodic re-inspection to ensure that the condition of the ACMs has not deteriorated.

The regulations that govern asbestos surveys and management plans are The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations require that those responsible for non-domestic buildings identify asbestos-containing materials and manage the associated risks. The regulations require that a survey is carried out by a competent person and that an asbestos management plan is produced that identifies all ACMs present, their condition, and outlines any remedial actions required to manage their risk.

Conclusion:

Asbestos surveys are a legal requirement for all non-domestic buildings and are essential for identifying the presence of ACMs, which can pose serious health risks. There are two types of surveys, Type 1 and Type 2, that are used to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials and to manage their risk. Asbestos surveys are governed by The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which require that those responsible for non-domestic buildings identify ACMs and manage the associated risks. The safe management of asbestos requires a detailed and comprehensive asbestos management plan that identifies all ACMs present within a building, their condition, and outlines any remedial actions required to manage their risk. The importance of asbestos surveys cannot be overstated, and it is recommended that they are carried out by licensed professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.