Asbestos Inspector
An asbestos inspector, (also known as an asbestos surveyor) is the person who is usually responsible for undertaking an asbestos survey, or asbestos risk assessment in a property. It is a requirement of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 that all non-domestic premises are assessed for the presence of asbestos and that the owner or tenant manages the asbestos containing materials on site. The asbestos inspector may also be called upon to carry out a similar survey on a domestic house or flat if the owner needs reassurance concerning the existence of asbestos in the house, or during the process of purchasing a house.
Typically, an asbestos inspector will have been trained and qualified at least to BOHS P402, the industry standard minimum qualification. He or his company will also possess suitable Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.
An asbestos inspector will start his survey by undertaking a safety risk assessment to ensure he is going to be safe while he carries out the inspection. He will also discuss the property with the owner or occupier to find out the age of the building and whether any asbestos has been removed or possibly hidden, during past refurbishments or modifications.
Following the preparation of a sketch of the premises, the asbestos inspector will examine every area, room and cupboard carefully and record the location, condition and circumstances of all materials he considers may contain asbestos. He may also take small samples of suspect materials to be analysed for the presence of asbestos so that the portfolio of materials which the duty-holder of the building must manage is as small as possible.
On completion of the survey and analysis of any samples, the asbestos inspector will prepare a report. This will provide the duty-holder with an asbestos register, details of the survey and samples taken and recommendations for reducing the risk of exposure of asbestos fibres to occupiers of the building, contractors and members of the public.
