Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in several construction materials, such as cement, insulation, and roof tiles. For many years, asbestos was a popular material due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos can cause severe health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Nowadays, asbestos is strictly regulated, and surveys are conducted to identify and manage its presence in buildings. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about asbestos survey, including its types, procedures, and regulations.
Types of asbestos surveys.
There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. Management surveys aim to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present in the building, assess their condition and hazard, and prepare a management plan to manage the risk of exposure. Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more intrusive and are required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. They aim to identify all ACMs that could be disturbed during the work and plan their removal or encapsulation.
Procedures of asbestos surveys.
Asbestos surveys should be conducted by competent surveyors who have the necessary training, qualifications, and experience. The surveyors should follow strict procedures that include visual inspections, sampling, and analysis. During the survey, the surveyor will inspect all accessible areas, such as ceilings, walls, floors, and service ducts, for signs of ACMs. They will also take samples of suspect materials and send them to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis. The findings of the survey will be recorded in a report that includes photographs, sample locations, and recommendations for managing or removing ACMs.
Regulations of asbestos surveys.
Asbestos surveys are strictly regulated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). CAR 2012 requires duty holders, such as building owners, managers, and contractors, to identify and manage the risk of exposure to asbestos in their buildings. This includes the responsibility to conduct asbestos surveys, maintain an asbestos register, and prepare an asbestos management plan. Failure to comply with CAR 2012 can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Benefits of asbestos surveys.
Asbestos surveys provide several benefits, including protecting the health and safety of building occupants, complying with legal requirements, and avoiding costly asbestos-related lawsuits and liabilities. Asbestos surveys can also help identify hidden ACMs that may not be visible to the naked eye or known by the building owner or manager. By conducting asbestos surveys, duty holders can ensure that their buildings are safe and compliant, and that any ACMs are managed or removed in a safe and controlled manner.
Conclusion.
Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying and managing the risk of exposure to asbestos in buildings. They are strictly regulated, and duty holders must comply with legal requirements to protect the health and safety of building occupants. To conduct a competent asbestos survey, it is essential to hire a competent surveyor who follows strict procedures and provides detailed reports and recommendations. By conducting asbestos surveys, duty holders can ensure that their buildings are safe and compliant, and avoid costly lawsuits and liabilities related to asbestos exposure.
