Types of Asbestos Surveys in UK – The Ultimate Guide to Asbestos Surveys

Even though a full ban on asbestos products came into force in the UK in 1999 it is thought that as many as 1.5 million UK buildings still contain the toxic mineral. It is estimated that an average of 13 people a day in the UK die from conditions caused by previous exposure to asbestos.

Arranging for qualified professionals to undertake an asbestos survey is the only way to determine whether the mineral is present in your property. The microscopic fibres are invisible to the naked eye and are often mixed with other materials so unless you have all the specialist equipment and years of experience in the industry, it’s impossible to definitively establish yourself whether it is present or not.

Different Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are 4 main types of asbestos survey : Management, Refurbishment, Demolition and Re-inspection Surveys.

Asbestos Management Survey

An asbestos management survey is the standard type of survey and is usually the first step in clarifying whether your building contains asbestos. It allows the duty holder to manage the asbestos in compliance with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations and is the type of survey conducted to help manage asbestos within a building during normal occupation (when there are no planned works and no danger of the asbestos being interfered with).

The survey is less intrusive than a Refurbishment or Demolition Survey but will still involve the taking and analysis of samples of suspect materials. Not only does the survey identify whether asbestos is in the building but it also notes the condition of the asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and will assess the risk to persons occupying the building. In cases where it is detected, a suitable management plan will be compiled to manage the risk.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

Demolition and Refurbishment works can cause disturbance to any asbestos containing materials present in a building. Surveys prior to these works being undertaken therefore are an essential legal requirement. These type of surveys are more intrusive than a Management Survey and may involve damaging the fabric of the building to facilitate access to suspect areas and materials. The survey may be targeted at specific areas of a building due for demolition or refurbishment or the whole building if there are extensive refurbishment or demolition planned.

The subsequent survey reports following the inspection can serve as a guide to licensed contractors to quote for the safe removal of any ACM’s present prior to further works being undertaken.

Find out more about Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

Re-inspection Survey

Also known as condition surveys, re-inspection surveys are carried out at regular pre-determined intervals in order to monitor the condition of known ACMs. The purpose of these surveys is to inspect all materials identified in any previous management or refurbishment survey for any changes in the condition of the material that might represent an increased risk to building occupiers.

If the condition of the material has deteriorated then steps can be taken to carry out repairs or even removal to mitigate the increased risk.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that the condition of asbestos-based products should be reviewed regularly and the frequency of the reinspection is determined by the type of material, its condition, vulnerability and likelihood of exposure to building occupants. Each survey will include updated recommendations as to any action required, if any.

What Type of Asbestos Survey do I Need?

If you are still not 100% confident as to which type of survey you require please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team here at Rightway Environmental. We will be more than happy to talk you through the different types of survey in more detail to help you get a better understanding. We will also be able to offer our recommendations based on your specific requirements and needs.

What Happens During an Initial Asbestos Survey?

The primary objective of any asbestos survey is to identify asbestos in your building . The qualified asbestos surveyor will methodically work through a property to detect any ACMs present. Through years of experience and training they can target materials that are known historically to be likely to contain asbestos such as roof tiles , soffits, guttering and textured coatings.

It’s worth noting that refurbishment and demolition surveys are much more intrusive than management surveys. Management surveys will usually include a visual inspection to obvious potential ACM’s followed by the taking of samples for analysis but intrusive access is not undertaken to what is frequently an occupied building. Refurbishment and demolition surveys however may involve the opening up of floors and ceilings and breaking through walls and partitions to make sure that all areas are thoroughly inspected..

The survey will be recorded in detail with photographs being taken of all suspected ACMs. All suspected ACMs will be sampled and sent to a specialist laboratory, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service to ISO 17025, for testing so the type of asbestos present can be determined.

The survey report will give detailed information on the type of asbestos , its condition , location and extent enabling a Management Plan to be compiled detailing how the asbestos is to be managed and who is responsible for doing so

Asbestos Removal Process – A Step by Step Guide

Asbestos Survey Cost

For the most competitive asbestos survey prices compliant with HSG 264 it is advised that you get a quote from experienced asbestos specialists. No two projects are the same and the price of the survey will depend on the size, type and age of your property as well as the type of survey you commission.

Qualified Asbestos Surveyors UK

Here at Rightway Environmental, we provide professional asbestos survey, removal and analysis services to all types of properties across the UK. All of our surveys are undertaken in compliance with the Health and Safety Executive Guidance HSG264 the Surveying Guide by fully trained surveyors holding British Occupational Hygiene Society qualifications BOHS P402 as a minimum.

See more: What is Asbestos? Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos

See more: What are the Dangers of Asbestos?