Asbestos Management Surveys

What is an Asbestos Management Survey?

An asbestos management survey is an inspection that is undertaken to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. In order to undertake a management survey you must use a competent and qualified asbestos surveying company. Our surveyors are all P402 qualified at a minimum.

A management survey is the standard visual and sampling survey. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practical, the presence and extent of any suspect asbestos containing materials (ACMs)

in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition. It is the minimum required standard under The Duty To Manage.

It is vital to understand the differences in surveys such as an asbestos refurbishment survey, which is more intrusive and is completed before any major refurbishment or renovation works are planned. There are also asbestos demolition surveys that are fully intrusive and must be completed before a property demolition.

WHO DOES THE ‘DUTY TO MANAGE’ SIT WITH?

The responsibility for asbestos management surveys will fall under the duty holder, which is normally the owner, landlord or in some instances, the organisation responsible for a building’s maintenance. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, “every person who has, by virtue of a contract or tenancy, an obligation of any extent in relation to the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises or any means of access..” More information on the responsibilities of duty holders is provided by the Health and Safety Executive guide on The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Buildings.

Management surveyors are only likely to involve the use of simple tools such as screwdrivers and chisels. Any areas not accessed will be presumed to contain asbestos. These areas will be clearly stated on the survey report and will have to be managed on this basis. To aid management at EMS we clearly separate out those areas that have not been accessed to those that are actually presumed to contain asbestos due to their appearance, type and age. This means that appropriate and effective management solutions can be applied.

When do I need an asbestos management survey?

Asbestos management surveys are needed before purchasing a building. Surveys are also necessary as part of compliance and ongoing building management to ensure your building is legally compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

An asbestos management survey will involve intrusive work and disturbance as all areas must be accessed and inspected. To aid management at EMS we separate those areas that have not been accessed to those presumed to contain asbestos due to their appearance, type and age. This means that appropriate and effective management solutions can be applied.

WHAT WILL MY ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT SURVEY REPORT TELL ME?

A management survey report is comprehensive and will provide the following:
• Information on the condition of the various ACMs
• The location of ACMs in your property
• Risk assessments
• Recommendations to help you prioritise action, ensure safety and compliance

What will a UKAS-Accredited Asbestos Management Survey involve?

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the only governing body in the UK for asbestos inspections carried out by competent surveyors. This ensures compliance with ISO17020, so duty holders can have peace of mind knowing they will receive a complete and thorough asbestos management survey carried out by a professional. While it is possible to opt for a non-accredited surveyor, it’s best to opt for professional asbestos surveyors at EMS Asbestos, as we comply with the most stringent standards for quality and safety.

What is an Asbestos Management Survey?

WHO DOES THE ‘DUTY TO MANAGE’ SIT WITH?

When do I need an asbestos management survey?

WHAT WILL MY ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT SURVEY REPORT TELL ME?

What will a UKAS-Accredited Asbestos Management Survey involve?

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