Asbestos Surveys and Sampling

The Control of Asbestos Work Regulations 2002 require those responsible for non domestic property (“dutyholders”) to assess and manage asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) on their premises.

This apparently simple statement disguises a complex series of tasks which need to be carried out by all types of organisations in order to comply with law.

In addition, while regulation 4 of CAWR 2002 applies specifically to non-domestic premises, other legislation clearly applies to houses and flats, resulting in additional responsibilities for landlords and contractors.

To satisfy the requirements of CAWR 2002, CES offers a complete service to its clients, meeting every aspect of the regulations from initial assessment through to (where necessary) asbestos removal and disposal. These include:

• development of management plans;
• undertaking asbestos surveys, covering types 1, 2 and 3;
• risk assessments for ACM’s;
• specifications for asbestos-related works;
• development of internal systems and procedures;
• asbestos registers in hard copy or digital format;
• training and awareness workshops;
• contractor competency;
• on-site audits;
• minor works on ACM’s;
• dealing with emergencies.

To effectively assess buildings for ACM’s, the Health and Safety Executive recommends the services of appropriately qualified and experienced asbestos surveyors. In fact, the HSE emphasises that a poor survey is worse than no survey.

All our surveyors are directly employed, properly qualified and insured for this work, while material samples are analysed by laboratories that are accredited and meet all the standards required by the regulations.

CES can provide new or updated detailed building registers for premises, identifying the locations and types of asbestos materials discovered during the survey. These may be in hard copy for small premises, or in electronic format for clients with a large number of properties, where the reliable and accurate dissemination of information is critical.

In our experience, there are several disadvantages with hard copy registers:

• they quickly become outdated when maintenance work is carried out;
• it is difficult to pass on the information to others who need it;
• managing large amounts of data soon becomes a major problem.

On the other hand, having registers in electronic format on a CD overcomes all these difficulties. They are easy to update, easy to query and write reports, and easy to export to other areas. The information can be readily linked to most other property maintenance software packages.

Where clients are using hard copy registers provided by another company, CES can convert these into user friendly and flexible electronic databases which can include photographs and floor plans.

Effective management of asbestos containing materials is part of CAWR 2002; CES can advise on, or prepare, a strategy for managing these risks through a programme of repair, encapsulation, removal and disposal, as necessary. Programmes of regular inspections, complemented by advice and recommendations, can also be included.

In circumstances where contractors are to carry out work which may involve the disturbance of asbestos, CES can advise on their suitability and level of competence.

Surveys may include the following:

• digital photographs;
• analytical findings and certification;
• building site video records;
• detailed reports with options, observations and conclusions;
• electronic survey results;
• floor plans and drawings in Word format or other software.

Our experienced personnel can be called upon 24 hours of every day for advice and, where necessary, action in the form of vehicles, equipment and suitably qualified labour who can be on site within hours.

We also have available a technical team of professional staff and support services to meet project requirements, including:

• Independent air monitoring and clearances;
• Fire damage, structural and environmental assessments;
• Dangerous Goods Safety Advice (D.G.S.A.);
• Environmental Risk Management;
• Material Identification and Advice.

Where to find asbestos

This covers the typical locations for the most common asbestos-containing materials including: Roof and Exterior Walls Boiler, Vessels and Pipework Ceilings Interior Walls / Panels Flooring Materials Air Handling Systems Domestic Appliances

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Image supplied courtesy of "The Office of Public Sector Information HSE"