Asbestos surveying is the process of undertaking an asbestos survey, or asbestos risk assessment, and involves a thorough inspection of a property with the intention of identifying the presence of asbestos materials. Asbestos surveying will include a visual examination by an experienced surveyor qualified at least to BOHS P402, and usually the removal of samples of suspect materials in order to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos fibres.
Those materials identified as asbestos during the asbestos surveying procedure will be assessed and scored for a number of attributes, or risk factors. Some of these factors relate to the material itself (Material Assessment) and others relate to the manner in which the material inter-acts with people (Priority Assessment). The scoring systems for these factors are set out by the HSE in a document called MDHS100, and on completion of the assessment the Material and Priority assessment scores for a given material are added together to create an overall score. This enables a comparison to be made between materials and some priorities for action established.
Asbestos surveying can be undertaken whilst a property is occupied and in use, and is generally non-invasive and non-destructive. When samples need to be taken, only a small amount is required, and is often less than 1 centimetre square. The procedure used means that the sample can be removed without significant release of fibres in to the air, although to be very safe the surveyor may ask people nearby to leave the room for a few minutes while the sampling process takes place. The sample area will be sealed with tape or a PVA glue spray, and if agreed and required by the client, an adhesive label may be attached to identify the sample site.
On completion of the asbestos surveying and sampling process, the surveyor or surveying company will prepare a report. This will include details of all materials confirmed to contain asbestos, or in some cases presumed to do so. It will offer recommendations on how to deal with the asbestos products present, and possibly suggest a programme for controlling the risk by removal, encapsulation or other means.
