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.

An asbestos management survey is the standard visual and sampling survey. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practical, the presence and extent of suspect asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within the premises which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance. The survey will also assess the condition of the materials and provide a material risk assessment for each occurrence. A management survey is the minimum requirement under The Duty To Manage.

Management surveys are likely to involve the use of simple hand tools. 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.

It is recommended that only competent and qualified asbestos surveyors undertake asbestos management surveys. EMS surveyors are at a minimum of BOHS P402 qualified with at least two years of practical experience. EMS is UKAS accredited for asbestos management surveys

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. These have a different purpose to an asbestos management survey.

WHO DOES THE ‘DUTY TO MANAGE’ SIT WITH?

The responsibility for asbestos management surveys will fall to the duty holder, which can be the building owner/landlord, the tenant or building occupier or in some instances an appointed consultant. Generally, the organisation that has responsibility for building maintenance is likely to be the Duty Holder.
‍
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 surveys are the first step in managing asbestos within a property. The survey should identify the locations and condition of materials that may be disturbed during normal occupation and make recommendations for continued management.

The report should contain photographs, test results, an asbestos register listing the locations of asbestos identified within the building and annotated floor plans.

When do I need an asbestos management survey?

Asbestos management surveys are required on all non-domestic premises built before 2000. The surveys are necessary as part of compliance and ongoing building management to ensure as a Duty Holder, you comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR2012).

Often, new updated surveys are required if there have been significant changes to the building or records have not been adequately maintained. Additionally, sometimes new surveys can be requested as part of a property sale or insurance renewal process.

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?

Follow our story