Whether it’s planning a demolition or replacing an asbestos shed roof, risk assessments, sampling and surveys are essential parts of the process. Without them, it can leave anyone in the vicinity at risk of accidental asbestos exposure, which can be life-threatening. However, some wonder what the asbestos surveying process involves and whether it’s safe.
Here’s everything you need to know about asbestos surveys.
What’s an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey aims to identify risks and inform a duty holder about how to best manage the presence of asbestos within a building or property.
If your property was built before 2000 and you need invasive work completed, any safety assessments should consider the presence and condition of existing asbestos. Even if no work is planned, a management survey will ensure that nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) and that they remain in good condition as time passes.
ACMs don’t necessarily need to be removed if they’re stable and undamaged. They can often remain in situ as long as they stay undisturbed and in good condition. However, this can only be determined by professional testing and surveying.
How safe are asbestos surveys?
During asbestos surveys, the area should be vacated, and your assessor will advise you about the extent of this. Usually, asbestos management surveys won’t be too intrusive or cause major disturbances, so the building can still be occupied.
The main aim of any survey is to keep occupants safe, so if there are any risks, like in-depth refurbishment surveys, your contractor will let you know beforehand so other arrangements can be made.
What happens during asbestos sampling and surveys?
During an asbestos survey, any ACMs must be located, highlighting those that could be disturbed or damaged by normal activities within the building, such as planned maintenance or installations. Some of the asbestos will be confirmed by presumption, but other ACMs will require sampling and testing.
If a demolition survey is required, the surveyor will mainly focus on how to ensure nobody is harmed during the work and suggest the most appropriate contractor for the job. No structural work should begin before a safety plan is agreed.
What does an asbestos report show?
Asbestos reports and management surveys will outline the location, type, extent and condition of any ACMs, and whether a sample was taken. This report will often be called a Materials Assessment. They may also highlight any existing surface treatments and accessibility. Any property areas not inspected or accessed will be detailed, and there should be an assumption these spots contain ACMs until confirmed otherwise.
The duty holder of the premises will need to action anything highlighted by the surveyor and manage the maintenance of all ACMs going forward. This includes scheduling annual asbestos management surveys.
Need an asbestos audit? Contact our team
If you need a new asbestos survey, contact Goodbye Asbestos today. We offer trusted asbestos sampling, testing and surveys throughout the Home Counties, coming out to Bognor Regis, Bookham and beyond.
For expert advice and a free quote, please get in touch.
