Survey and sample for asbestos

If any major refurbishment is planned for a premises, a suitably trained person should be chosen to carry out the survey of the premises to identify the ACM''s (Asbestos Containing Materials).

They will also be able to advise you on what you need to do and what to include in your management plan. You should ask the person or organisation;

For evidence of their training and experience of such work
Is the survey in accordance with the HSE guidance MDHS 100 "Surveying, Sampling and Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials".
For evidence that the have suitable liability insurance
Are they totally independent?

Asbestos Surveys

Type I - Location and Assessment Survey

This survey locates, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect asbestos containing materials (ACM''s) in the building and assess their condition.

All areas should be accessed and inspected as far as reasonably practicable (e.g. above false ceilings and inside risers, service ducts, lift shafts, etc) or must be presumed to contain asbestos. Any material, which can reasonably be expected to contain asbestos, must be presumed to contain asbestos, and where it appears highly likely to contain asbestos, there should be a strong presumption that is does. All materials, which are presumed to contain asbestos, must be assessed.


Type II - Standard Sampling, Identification & Assessment Survey

Similar to Type I, except that representative samples are collected and analysed for the presence of asbestos. Samples from each type of suspect ACM found are collected and analysed to confirm or refute the surveyor's judgement. If the material sampled is found to contain asbestos, other similar materials used in the same way in the building can be strongly presumed to contain asbestos.

Type III - Full Access Sampling and Identification Survey (Pre-demolition/major refurbishment)

This survey locates and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACM''s in the building and may involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. A full sampling programme is undertaken to identify possible ACM''s and estimates of the volume and surface area of ACM''s made. The surveys are designed to be used as a basis for tendering the removal of ACM''s from the building prior to demolition or major refurbishment.