It is imperative that when managing asbestos effectively, that the location, type, condition, and quantity of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) is established.  This can be achieved by appointing one of our qualified Surveyors (BOHS-P402), with UKAS accredited analysis to carry out an Asbestos Survey.  The following Surveys are carried out by our qualified surveyors in accordance with HSE guidance MDHS100:

Type 1: Location and assessment survey (presumptive survey)

In this type of survey no actual sampling is carried out, so there is no positive identification of ACMs. However, the purpose of the survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, presumed ACMs and assess the extent to which they were used and their condition. In this case, you may find that you are bearing the cost for managing materials that do not contain asbestos, as you are presuming that any material, which can reasonably be expected to contain asbestos, does so, and treating it as such for future work. In this case you can only exclude materials if you are completely confident that they do not contain asbestos ie glass, metal or wood (although asbestos may be hidden by them).
During this survey, all areas should be inspected as far as reasonably practicable or else must be presumed to contain asbestos. The condition of all materials which are presumed to be asbestos must be assessed.

Type 2: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey (sampling survey)

The procedures used for this type of survey are the same as for a type 1, however in this case representative samples of the ACMs are collected and analysed to confirm or refute the suspected presence of asbestos. Sampling may take place simultaneously with the survey or be carried out after the type 1 survey is complete. Condition of the ACMs in question must also be assessed.

Type 3: Full access sampling and identification survey
(pre-demolition/major refurbishment survey)

This survey may involve destructive inspection to gain access to all areas of the building to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the building. A full sampling programme is undertaken to identify ACMs and the extent to which they are used (volume and surface area). This type of survey is designed to be used as a basis for tendering the removal of ACMs before demolition or major refurbishment so an assessment of the condition of ACMs present is not necessary.

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