Asbestos Surveys

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 state that anyone who is responsible for the maintenance of non domestic property has to have the property surveyed for asbestos and prepare a plan to manage the asbestos risk. Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Do you comply?

MDHS100 has been replaced by HSG264 Asbestos. Please follow the link Here

What is involved in an Asbestos Survey

The purpose of surveying is to make a ‘materials assessment’ ie
To find asbestos-containing materials (ACM's) and record what it is, its condition and any surface treatment and to record the asbestos type by sampling or presuming.

Types of survey

The duty holder, building owner, employer and surveyor needs to be clear on the type of survey needed, where the survey is needed and what records should result.
There are two types of survey for ACM's

Management survey

The Management Survey purpose is required to manage ACM's during the normal occupation and use of premises.  The duty-holder can make a Management Survey where the premises are simple and straightforward.  Otherwise, a surveyor is needed.

A Management Survey aims to ensure that:

• Nobody is harmed by the presence of ACM's in the premises;
• The ACM's remain in good condition
• Nobody disturbs it accidentally

The Survey must locate ACM's that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance, or by installing new equipment.  It involves minor intrusion and minor asbestos disturbance to make a Materials Assessment.  This shows the ability of ACM, if disturbed, to release fibres into the air.  It guides the client, with reference to prioritising any remedial works.

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

The Refurbishment / demolition Survey is required where the premises, or part of it, need upgrading, refurbishment or demolition.  The Survey does not need a record of the ACM's condition.  Normally, a surveyor is needed for Refurbishment / demolition Surveys.

A Refurbishment / demolition Survey aims to ensure that:

• Nobody will be harmed by work on ACM's in the premises or equipment;
• Such work will be done by the right contractor in the right way

The Survey must locate and identify all ACM's before any structural work begins at a stated location or on stated equipment at the premises.  It involves destructive inspection and possible asbestos disturbance.  The area surveyed must be vacated, and may need to be certified 'fit for reoccupation' after the survey.