Asbestos Surveys -
R&D Surveys and Re-inspections

Asbestos Management Survey  

This is the standard asbestos survey that should be carried out for the continued management of asbestos in premises. The purpose of the asbestos survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of suspect ACMs in the building and assess their condition. Although sampling is the most common approach that has been used for surveys, an asbestos survey can also involve presuming the presence of asbestos.
      
An asbestos survey can therefore be completed, using a combination of sampling ACMs and presuming ACMs. Any materials presumed to contain asbestos must also have their condition assessed (ie material assessment).
      
Asbestos surveys may involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance. The extent of intrusion will vary between premises and depend on what is reasonably practicable for individual properties – agreement on this aspect of the survey should be reached between the client/dutyholder and the surveyor. Factors that can affect the extent of intrusion include the type of building, the nature of construction, accessibility etc.   

*UKAS accredited inspection body No.0148

How is an asbestos survey done?

Throughout the process, we prioritise minimising intrusion, tailored to what is feasible and practical for your specific property. Factors such as building type, construction, and accessibility are considered to determine the level of intrusion, ensuring a customised approach that aligns with your needs. Rest assured, our UKAS accreditation (No.0148) underscores our commitment to delivering meticulous inspections and adhering to the highest industry standards.

The Asbestos Management Survey utilises an organised and methodical approach to identify and assess the condition of any suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The primary focus of this survey is the effective management of ACMs in a building during its normal use and occupancy. It involves:

• Inspection of areas: All areas of the property, including rooms, corridors, stairs, basements, cellars, and underfloor coverings, are thoroughly inspected.
• ACM identification: The survey aims to identify any ACMs that could be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy.
• Risk assessment: The condition of the identified ACMs is assessed and documented, forming an essential part of your asbestos management plan.
• Register formation: The information collected is used to create an asbestos register, a key tool in managing asbestos in your premises.

Does every building need an asbestos survey?

It's important to understand that not all buildings will require an asbestos survey. The necessity for such a study is largely dependent on the age of the building and its use.

Buildings constructed prior to 2000 are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), thus necessitating a survey. This is due to the prevalent use of these materials in construction during the 20th century.

Commercial buildings, in particular, are subject to legal mandates, as outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. According to these regulations, the duty-holder, typically the building owner or employer, is required to manage the risk from asbestos by identifying and managing any ACMs.

Residential properties, on the other hand, are not legally required to conduct asbestos surveys unless they are undergoing major refurbishments or demolitions. However, given the health risks associated with asbestos, many homeowners choose to conduct these surveys voluntarily.

In addition, certain scenarios may necessitate an asbestos survey. For instance, if a local council orders a survey as part of legal compliance requirements, or if a property is set for refurbishment or demolition.

Types of Asbestos Survey

1. Management Survey

Our Management Survey is the cornerstone of asbestos management in non-domestic properties. This survey is conducted to identify ACMs that could be encountered during normal occupancy and routine maintenance. Our expert surveyors meticulously assess the condition of identified ACMs, providing you with a comprehensive report and management plan.

Key Features:

• Thorough examination of accessible areas.
• Identification and assessment of potential ACMs.
• Clear recommendations for ongoing management and monitoring.

2. Refurbishment and Demolition Survey (R&D Survey)

Before any refurbishment or demolition work, our R&D Survey is essential to identify and manage ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned activities. This intrusive survey involves thorough sampling and analysis, ensuring the safety of workers and compliance with regulations.

Key Features:

• Full access to areas scheduled for refurbishment or demolition.
• Extensive sampling and testing to locate ACMs.
• Detailed recommendations for safe removal or management.

3. Reinspection Survey

Our Reinspection Survey is designed to monitor the condition of previously identified ACMs. Regular inspections allow us to assess any changes in condition and update your asbestos register accordingly. This proactive approach helps maintain compliance and ensure ongoing safety.

Key Features:

• Periodic assessments to monitor ACMs.
• Updates to the asbestos register and management plan.
• Recommendations for maintenance or removal based on condition changes.

Asbestos Reporting

Understanding the asbestos content in a building serves as a fundamental step towards maintaining a safe environment. The Asbestos Reporting process involves the generation of a detailed report post survey. This report is a key component of the [Asbestos Management Plan], outlining the location, amount, and the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

The report should include:

• Surveyor’s name: The individual who conducted the asbestos survey.
• Executive summary: An overview of the survey findings.
• Location of ACMs: Precise locations of asbestos within the building.
• Type of asbestos: Classification of the asbestos found.
• Condition of ACMs: An assessment of the current state of the asbestos materials.

The report will act as a live document, updated with current information on the presence and condition of ACMs. Its accessibility and clarity are essential to ensure effective asbestos management.

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Asbestos Uncovered answers the questions we receive most frequently about asbestos to help keep you and your buildings compliant. Whether you require an asbestos surveyor for management surveys, demolition surveys, or re-inspections, our team is dedicated to ensuring safety and compliance for your building projects.