What is the purpose of an asbestos survey?
First and foremost, the survey is conducted to help with the initial stages of managing the asbestos in your premises.
It also provides information on:
- The location, amount and condition of asbestos-containing materials
- The level of damage or deterioration in the asbestos-containing materials
- Whether remedial action is required
When is an asbestos survey required?
What age is the property? Buildings built after 2000, then potentially Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) should not be present, as asbestos was banned in 1999. Asbestos-containing materials in various forms were still being used in the construction of buildings, plant and equipment up until November 1999.
Despite HSE guidelines stating that no asbestos fibrous minerals should be contained within commercial and non-domestic buildings constructed after the year 2000, asbestos surveys conducted by Summit Environmental have shown that the risk (albeit very low) can still potentially be present.
The duty to manage asbestos.
The legislation that sets the rules for asbestos and asbestos surveys is the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. Contained in section4 of the regulations, is the duty to manage. This is directed at those who manage non-domestic properties, built before 2000. These people are responsible for protecting others from the risk of asbestos exposure. They need to protect employees and people who use the premises in other ways.
Which asbestos survey do I need?
To comply with the ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’, ensure that the correct asbestos survey is carried out to identify and enable management of the risk of any ACMs that are present.
The surveys are designed to locate and detail the extent and condition of any ACMs within a pre-2000 building. They will also outline any required remedial actions such as asbestos removal or encapsulation required.
Management Surveys
As a rule, asbestos management surveys and re-inspection surveys are non-intrusive, and are aimed at buildings under normal occupancy with minor maintenance works and access all accessible parts of a building.
Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys
Asbestos refurbishment surveys and asbestos demolition surveys need to be conducted prior to any work being undertaken to alter fabric, fixtures, fittings, or any major structural changes including demolition. These inspections are more intrusive and often include things like breaking through walls to access behind cladding, uprooting floor coverings and fixed ceilings.
How to comply with CAR 2012
To comply with the ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’, ensure that the correct asbestos survey is carried out to identify and enable management of the risk of any ACMs that are present.
The surveys are designed to locate and detail the extent and condition of any ACMs within a pre-2000 building. They will also outline any required remedial actions such as asbestos removal or encapsulation required.
What about if there is no previous asbestos information or register?
Check for previous reports, building registers or asbestos remediation documents present. If reports are present, check any limitations and areas not accessed. Are there comprehensive, reliable as-built records(health and safety files if post-2004) you should check records of ACMs in drawings and/or contract documents should be checked. If there are o records, asbestos must be presumed to be present until new records exist.
What about asbestos surveys in redundant and unoccupied buildings?
Asbestos records need to be updated and checked annually. Risk maybe managed by preventing access into uncontrolled access, but emergency arrangements need to be considered. Building use can change, this is not a permanent solution and should be considered. Unoccupied buildings should be re-inspected when likely to be re-occupied or an annual basis to maintain compliance if ACM’s exist.
Have Asbestos Containing Materials been removed previously?
Care must be taken, regulations for asbestos removal were not always as stringent as they are now. Ensure previous remediation works were carried out properly. Where sprayed asbestos, protection of steelwork, has been used, there is the risk that overspray may remain in crevices, voids or even within the linings or fabric of the building subsequently applied. Again, asbestos re-inspections or resurveys may be required to check previous remediation quality.
How can Summit Environmental help you?
Asbestos management surveys
Asbestos re-inspection surveys
Asbestos refurbishment surveys
Asbestos demolition surveys
Asbestos management plans
Asbestos consultancy
