In a comprehensive asbestos management plan asbestos surveys are typically the most significant tool in determining the dangers present and also allowing those who are obligated in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to perform them, but effectively. While the focus is always upon safety, it’s crucial to keep in mind that without proof that a building does not contain asbestos, it can be assumed to contain asbestos and could indicate that non-asbestos material is being handled as if they do. This results in excessive effort and expense.
Below, you’ll get a step-by-step guide detailing the typical practice of an asbestos inspection and the steps required.
What’s the point of an asbestos study?
The primary reason for conducting the study is carried out to assist with the first phases of tackling the asbestos present in your building.
It also contains information about:
the place, size and condition of asbestos-containing material
the extent of deterioration or damage the degree of damage or deterioration
whether remedial actions are required
The data collected as a result of the survey could be used to track asbestos-containing materials as well as create an asbestos register which highlights areas of the structure where asbestos was found to be in the building.
What kind of study do I require?
The first step in completing an asbestos survey that is successful is to determine which one is required. According to the Health and Safety Executive “strongly recommends using accredited or certified surveyors to conduct asbestos surveys.
We provide three kinds of surveys:
Management surveys These types of surveys typically are the first step to determine if your premises are asbestos-prone and creating a management plan should they contain asbestos. They do not cause the damage to the fabric of your building (other other than removing samples) but they will be mindful of regular maintenance as often as is it is possible. In some cases, when planned work on refurbishment is required it is possible to add specific inspection points that are intrusive to the affected regions.
Pre-demolition surveys – This form of survey is required whenever demolition is planned for an property. Contrary to management surveys it must be a full-on inspection to test the building structure for asbestos.
Pre-refurbishment survey – This type of survey is utilized to plan refurbishment projects for a building, just like the pre-demolition survey, it is an intrusive inspection however, the extent of work will be based on the nature of the proposed remodeling.
How does the interview go?
The first step of an investigation, even though the majority of relevant information is already on hand for larger sites There will be the initial walking-through. This is necessary to be able to find any obstructions to the work, verify the validity of plans, and evaluate the risk of the location. In the course of the survey, surveyors will follow a methodical approach to the area and employ their expertise and judgment to determine if asbestos is suspect. They will take samples for analysis in the lab to confirm the asbestos amount.
If needed the water absorption test will be conducted as part of the study, which is done to determine the density of the material and to determine whether it’s an cement-based product or a more insulating board material. During surveys, working areas must be kept free from any other team. For demolition or refurbishment surveys, the site should be unoccupied unless strict controls are implemented. Testing for air can also be a part in asbestos surveys, dependent on the initial results.
This could take it’s form of background screening prior to starting work, or reassurance tests following the detection of asbestos that is in poor condition or individual monitoring for our employees.
According to the latest industry guidelines, our air testing is as follows:
Reassurance Air Testing – To measure residual fibre concentrations, or to determine if airborne fibres are present at an area following an exercise.
Background testing is carried before asbestos inspections or remedial work starting, to establish the background level.
Personal air testing – Your licensed asbestos expert will tell you whether this test is required because it could be used in a variety of ways to choose RPE and to ensure that it is suitable for ongoing projects to record medical surveillance and risk assessment methods and to make sure that the measures for controlling work are in place and continue to be effective over time.
Air testing for clearance is a one of four stages in the clearance procedure.
A test of air is performed to determine the presence of asbestos in the air by drawing a certain amount of air into a filter for an extended period of time. Airborne particles that are collected by the filter are later prepared to be examined using microscopy.
