Asbestos Surveys in the UK
Our comprehensive asbestos surveys can assist you with your duty to comply with current asbestos management laws.
At ACS, all our surveys and sampling techniques for suspected asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive guidance document 'MDHS 100'. All samples obtained are sent to an independent, UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis.
We offer three types of asbestos surveys:
Type 1: Location and assessment survey (Presumptive Survey)
The purpose of a Type 1 asbestos survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practical, any suspected ACMs in the building and assess the risk. All areas must be accessed and inspected (including; above false ceilings and inside risers, service ducts, lift shafts etc.) or they will be presumed to contain asbestos.
Type 2: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey (Sampling Survey)
The purpose and procedures used in the Type 2 asbestos survey are the same as the Type 1 survey. With the Type 2 survey, however, representative samples are collected and analysed for the presence of asbestos.
Samples from each suspected ACM are collected and analysed to confirm or negate the surveyor's judgement. Sampling may take place with the survey or, in the case of some larger surveys, as a separate exercise following completion of a Type 1 survey.
Type 3: Full access sampling and identification survey (Pre-demolition / Major Refurbishment Surveys)
A Type 3 asbestos survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practical, all ACMs in the building and involving, if necessary, destruction inspection to gain access to all areas, however difficult to reach.
During this survey, potential ACMs will be identified and an estimate made of their volume and surface area. This survey is designed to be used as a basis for tendering the removal of ACMs from the building prior to demolition or major refurbishment.
A Type 3 asbestos survey does not assess the condition of the asbestos other than to note areas of damage or where additional asbestos debris could possibly be found.
The type of asbestos survey required will depend on the individual circumstances of the client. At ACS we can advise you on the type of asbestos survey most appropriate to your needs.
We also ensure that whatever asbestos survey is used, it conforms to industry standards. Otherwise interpretation of the asbestos survey reports is difficult and the management plan produced may not adequately minimise the risks involved. By using the MDHS standard, at ACS we meet guidelines laid down by the Health and Safety Executive.
It is possible that for larger premises a mix of survey types will be appropriate. It's therefore vital that the building owner, employer and surveyor know exactly what type of asbestos survey is to be conducted, the specifications for each type and in which areas they are to be used.
For example, a boiler house due for demolition will require a Type 3 pre-demolition survey, while offices at the same site may only need a Type 1 survey. Similarly, a system built housing estate may start with several Type 2 surveys but subsequent, premises may be evaluated using a Type 1 survey.
To avoid any confusion we provide a clear statement of the type of asbestos surveys to be conducted, where they are to be carried out and an estimate of the number of samples to be collected.
A full, jargon-free detailed report is provided at the completion of each asbestos survey.
For more information on our asbestos surveys or to receive a free no-obligation quote, please contact us on 01422 370588.
