Asbestos Surveys
Our Comprehensive Asbestos Surveys
At SRVY we offer two essential types of asbestos surveys designed to assist duty holders in effectively managing asbestos on their premises:
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys:
These surveys are crucial when any part of your building is set for renovation or demolition. Our detailed inspections help identify and record asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), ensuring safe and compliant procedures during construction or deconstruction.
Understanding Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
Before embarking on any refurbishment or demolition project, a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is essential. This survey aims to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the designated area for refurbishment or the entire building if demolition is on the agenda.
Survey Scope
Full Intrusiveness:
The survey is comprehensive and fully intrusive. It involves destructive inspection when necessary, ensuring access to all areas, even those that may be challenging to reach.
Reasons for Requirement:
Apart from major refurbishment or demolition projects, this survey may also be necessary for other scenarios. This includes more intrusive maintenance, repair work, or plant removal and dismantling.
Compliance with CAR 2012 (Regulation 7)
ACM Removal Requirement:
There's a specific requirement under CAR 2012 (regulation 7) for the removal of all ACMs as far as reasonably practicable before major refurbishment or final demolition.
Smaller Refurbishment Situations:
Even in smaller refurbishment situations involving structural or layout changes (e.g., removal of partitions, walls, units), removing ACMs is appropriate.
CDM and Tendering Process:
Role in CDM:
The survey information plays a crucial role in the tendering process for ACM removal before work commences, as per the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
Supplying Survey Reports:
Clients should supply the survey report to designers and contractors bidding for the work, ensuring that asbestos risks are adequately addressed in project planning.
Focus on ACM Removal
Identification for Removal:
The primary objective is to identify ACMs for removal rather than managing them. The survey doesn't extensively assess the condition of asbestos, except for indicating areas of damage or additional debris.
Assessment for Future Management:
In cases where asbestos removal may not occur immediately, a subsequent assessment of ACMs' condition becomes necessary, and appropriate management strategies are devised.
For a seamless and compliant refurbishment or demolition process, ensure the completion of a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey, addressing asbestos risks comprehensively.
Schedule Your Refurbishment and Demolition Survey
Management Surveys
Significance of Management Surveys
A Management Survey serves the critical purpose of identifying, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) within a building. This survey is designed to assess the potential risk of ACMs being damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including routine maintenance and installation activities.
Survey Scope and Intrusiveness
Tailored Approach:
The extent of intrusion and disturbance in Management Surveys is adapted to individual properties, considering factors such as building type, construction nature, and accessibility.
Intrusive Work and Disturbance:
Management surveys may involve minor intrusive work and disturbance, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the ACMs present.
Condition Assessment and Airborne Fibre Release
Material Assessment:
An essential aspect of Management Surveys is assessing the condition of various ACMs and their potential to release fibres into the air when disturbed.
Priority Identification:
This material assessment guides the prioritization of managing ACMs, highlighting materials most likely to release airborne fibres if disturbed.
Sampling and Analysis
Confirmation of Presence or Absence:
Typically, Management Surveys involve sampling and analysis to confirm the presence or absence of ACMs within the surveyed areas.
Presumption of Presence or Absence:
Alternatively, a Management Survey can also include presuming the presence or absence of asbestos. This flexible approach allows for a combination of sampling and presuming, or relying solely on presumptions.
Material Assessment
Condition Evaluation:
Materials presumed to contain asbestos must undergo a condition assessment (material assessment), evaluating their current state.
Holistic Survey Approach:
The Management Survey offers a holistic approach, considering both confirmed and presumed ACMs, along with their respective conditions.
For a proactive and informed asbestos management plan, initiate a Management Survey. The insights gained from this survey provide a foundation for prioritizing actions and ensuring the safe management of ACMs within your premises.
Schedule Your Management Survey
Conducted during regular building occupation, our management surveys provide the information needed to compile an asbestos register and a comprehensive management plan. This ensures continuous monitoring and responsible management of any identified asbestos risks.
Key Objectives of Our Asbestos Surveys
Locate and Record ACMs:
We strive to identify and record the location, extent, and type of presumed or known ACMs as far as reasonably practicable.
Inspect and Record Condition:
Our surveys include inspection and recording of accessibility, condition, and any necessary surface treatments of presumed or known ACMs.
Determine Asbestos Type:
Using either representative samples sent to our UKAS-accredited laboratory or presumptions based on product type and appearance, we identify and record the type of asbestos found.
Identification of ACMs
Our skilled Asbestos Surveyors conduct visual inspections, strongly presuming asbestos only when materials exhibit characteristics typical of ACMs or when laboratory-confirmed similar materials exist.
Materials Known to Contain Asbestos:
Examples include:
• Corrugated cement roof & wall sheeting
• Cement water tanks
• Drain pipes
• Textured Coatings (artex)
• Floor tiles
• Flooring and carpet adhesive
• Ceiling Tiles
• Fascias & soffits
• Gaskets
• Insulation board
• Bitumen products
• Filters
• Fireproofing textiles
• Gaskets
• Insulating papers and duct wrap
• Insulation
• Spray-on coatings
• Thermal and electrical insulation
Presumption Without Sample:
Materials may be presumed to contain asbestos based on appearance, visible fibers, or situations where laboratory analysis is unavailable.
Non-Asbestos Materials:
Certain materials like glass, wood, stone, and metal are known to be asbestos-free. Additionally, specific scenarios or regulations may determine non-ACM status.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
Asbestos Management Surveys:
Conducted during normal building use, ensuring continuous ACM management.
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys:
Essential when renovation or demolition is planned, providing detailed insights for safe procedures.
Adapting to Your Property's Lifecycle:
Properties evolve, and so do asbestos survey needs. Larger properties may require a combination of surveys tailored to different areas. A boiler house set for demolition might need a refurbishment or demolition survey, while offices may require a management survey.
Ensure the safety and compliance of your property—book an asbestos survey with us today.
Post-Survey Asbestos Management: A Proactive Approach
If you've already undergone Asbestos Surveys, congratulations on taking a crucial step toward a safer environment. Here's what you need to know for ongoing asbestos management:
Key Information and Material Hazard Assessment:
Material Hazard Assessment:
Your survey should include a Material Hazard Assessment, offering a basic indication of an asbestos-containing material's (ACM) potential to release airborne fibers.
Duty Holder Responsibility:
It's now the duty holder's responsibility to determine specific risks associated with each ACM based on the occupancy level in the respective area.
Asbestos Management Plan:
Utilize this information to craft a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan. This plan will outline strategies for safe management based on the identified risks.
Continual Monitoring and Periodic Inspections
Continual Monitoring:
Asbestos management is an ongoing process. Continual monitoring is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of your management plan.
Regular Intervals:
Periodic inspections should be conducted at regular intervals to assess the condition of identified or suspected ACMs. A minimum of every six to twelve months is recommended.
Inspection Objectives
Deterioration Check:
The primary goal of these inspections is to check for any deterioration or damage to ACMs. Timely identification of changes ensures prompt action to mitigate risks.
Preventive Measures:
If deterioration or damage is identified, swift action can be taken to address the issue, preventing potential airborne fiber release.
Ongoing Compliance and Safety
Occupancy Changes:
As the level of occupation in different areas may change over time, adapt your Asbestos Management Plan accordingly to maintain compliance and safety.
Training and Awareness:
Regularly train and raise awareness among staff or occupants about the presence of ACMs and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
Consultation and Professional Assistance
Expert Consultation:
Engage with asbestos management professionals to ensure that your ongoing monitoring and inspections align with regulatory standards.
Record Keeping:
Maintain meticulous records of inspections, changes in occupancy, and any actions taken. This documentation is valuable for regulatory compliance.
By proactively managing asbestos post-survey, you not only ensure compliance but also contribute to a safer environment for everyone involved. If you have any questions or need assistance in refining your ongoing asbestos management practices, feel free to consult with our experts.