Undertaking an asbestos building survey is one of the first steps in complying with the Control of Asbestos Regulations. It consists of a thorough examination of the premises in question, and this includes the building structure, fixtures and fittings. All areas, rooms and even cupboards need to be inspected by a surveyor who is trained at least to BOHS P402 level, and who has completed asbestos building surveys in a wide range of wide range of property types. There is no set time for a survey, and this can vary according to the complexity of the building, its size and its age. The procedure for asbestos surveying is published by the HSE and contained in document MDHS100.
How do we carry out an asbestos building survey? Once we have been appointed, we will agree a suitable time to undertake the survey of your premises. Initially, we would like to spend a few minutes with someone who knows a little about the property to improve on the information we have already gained in order to provide your quotation. We want to share any knowledge you have about the building’s history, about any known asbestos (past or present) and to ensure that the surveyor is aware of any processes, activities or situations which may affect his safety during the survey.
The surveyor will then need to visit all areas of the premises. If you do not have accurate drawings, he will make sketches which will be converted to computer drawings for the final asbestos building survey report. This drawing will record the location of any suspected asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and of samples removed for analysis. He will record information and carry out risk assessments for any materials which may contain asbestos.
For a Type 2 or Type 3 survey, he will remove very small samples of some materials, leaving the sample areas clean and uncontaminated. For his own protection during this part of the asbestos building survey, he may wear protective equipment. Considerable discretion is exercised where staff or members of the public are within sight of survey work. The sample area will be sealed as carefully as possible, and if you require it the sample area can be labeled to aid future identification of a material.
Digital photographs of suspected ACMs will be taken, and colour images used in our asbestos building survey reports.
On completion of the work, the surveyor will contact the site representative and offer some initial feedback before leaving.
