Types of Asbestos Surveys
During our surveys we review your existing plans and risk assessments and update your records noting any further deterioation and any new asbestos which has been found since your last survey. We identify, inspect and implement an effective management programme of all asbestos containing materials (ACM's).
If the asbestos is damaged or in a poor condition, we can advise you on how to manage it safely, and can recommend accredited asbestos removal companies.
Your completed survey comes in the form of a comprehensive, bound report which can be used as a site register for ACM's and forms the basis for your duty to manage asbestos in compliance with the regulations.
There are 3 types of Asbestos surveys as laid down in the HSE publication:
MDHS100 Surveying sampling & assessment of asbestos - containing materials
Type 1: Location and assessment survey (presumptive survey).
The purpose of the survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, any potential Asbestos Containing
Materials (ACMs) in the building and to assess the risk. All areas should be accessed and inspected as far
as reasonably practicable (e.g. above false ceilings and inside risers, service ducts, lift shafts, etc.) or must
be presumed to contain asbestos. Any material which is expected to, or highly like to contain asbestos should
be presumed so and must be assessed. As this survey is non-evasive no samples are taken for analysis.
Type 2: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey (sampling survey).
The purpose and procedures used in this survey are the same as for Type 1, except that samples are collected
from each suspected ACM and analysed to determine if they contain asbestos. If the material sampled is found to
contain asbestos, other similar materials used in the same way in the building can be presumed to contain asbestos.
Less homogeneous materials will require a greater number of samples to enable the surveyor to assess whether
asbestos is present.
Type 3: Full access sampling and identification survey (pre-demolition/major refurbishment surveys).
This is a thorough survey of all materials in the building and may involve destructive inspection, as necessary,
to gain access to all areas including those difficult to reach. This survey is used in the tendering for the removal
of ACMs before any major refurbishment or demolition work, to prevent the uncontrolled spread of asbestos,
however, it does not assess the condition of the asbestos, other than to note areas of damage or where additional
asbestos debris might be present.
