Do I need an Asbestos survey?

Do you own a property that was built before the year 2000?  If your answer is yes, then it may contain asbestos materials within it’s structure.  Since August 1999, asbestos has become a prohibited substance within the UK, due to its links to potential life threatening conditions.  Therefore it is imperative to take extra care when carrying out building work on premises that were built before the year 2000.  You may need an asbestos survey.

In order to comply with the ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’ you need to carry out the correct asbestos survey.  The survey is carried out to identify and manage the risk of any ACM’s that are present.  The main types of asbestos surveys are:

• Asbestos Management Survey
• Asbestos Refurbishment Survey
• Re-Inspections
• Soil Surveys

Surveys are designed to locate and detail the condition of any ACMs within a building built before the year 2000.  It will also define any actions needed such as asbestos removal or any surface treatment required.

Asbestos management surveys, re-inspections and soil surveys are all fairly non-intrusive.  Specifically, asbestos management surveys are designed to cover all accessible parts of a building and can be carried out around a normal day to day use, including maintenance and repairs.

Asbestos refurbishment surveys and asbestos demolition surveys need to be managed prior to any work being undertaken to alter fixtures, fabric, fittings or any major structural changes including demolition.  These inspections are more intrusive and often include things like breaking through walls to access behind cladding, uprooting floor coverings etc.

How often should an Asbestos Survey be carried out?

How often you have a survey will depend on various parameters.  If you are an owner of a building where ACMs are found, it is your responsibility to ensure a robust asbestos management plan is put in place. As part of the asbestos management plan ACM’s should be inspected regularly and at least annually.

During these regular inspections you will need to ensure the condition of the asbestos has not deteriorated.  Your building should remain safe for staff, the general public and workmen at all times.

It is important to make sure you have an up-to-date refurbishment and demolition survey completed prior to all building works.  You’ll have to provide the surveyor with details of the site layout, relevant photos, site plans, hazards and any previously completed asbestos surveys too.

Asbestos Management Plan

Asbestos surveys should be used as part of your overall asbestos management plan.  This is to help you control risk and stay compliant with HSE Legislation and Guidance.  An acceptable asbestos management plan will contain the below information:

• Training needs and any training plan that needs to be enforced.
• Project management, a clear audit trail and accurate reporting for stakeholders, local authorities and regulators.
• The time-frames that will need to be adhered to ensuring full compliance with the HSE and ‘The Control Of Asbestos Regulations 2012’.
• Roles and responsibilities of management, duty holders and owners.
• A central record or database containing all asbestos-related information.
• Definite reports about the locations and measure of asbestos, along with a robust plan for safe working methods to avoid disturbing asbestos.
• How the ACMs will be handled and monitored, along with a full implementation strategy.

UKAS accredited asbestos consultants can assist you with putting together the correct asbestos surveys for your specific needs.  They will also help you develop an asbestos management plan that will maintain a safe environment for your building.

If you have anymore queries, please get in touch here  and someone at Safety Forward will assist you.