Asbestos Management Survey

Asbestosis results from the inhalation of asbestos fibres, with symptoms ranging from mild irritation or inflammation of the lungs to death, in severe cases. As the disease progresses symptoms can worsen, even after exposure to asbestos has long since stopped. Severe asbestosis is usually caused either by sustained exposure over a period of years or intensive exposure over a short period, although any exposure can result in damage to the lungs if airborne fibres are inhaled. Exposure to asbestos can also result in Mesothelioma which affects the cells that line the chest, abdominal and heart cavities and is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos-containing materials have been used widely in the construction industry for many years and come in many forms, from low-risk plasticised floor tiles to fibrous boards which can be easily damaged or delaminate over time. The use of all asbestos products has, therefore, been banned since 1999. That said, buildings constructed prior to this still commonly contain asbestos products and it is often more hazardous to remove and dispose of such products than it is to leave them in situ and to manage exposure to them. The Control of Asbestos at Work (CAW) Regulations, which were last updated in April 2012 in order to fully implement EU Directive 2009/148/EC, therefore require employers and/or persons in control of premises to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the workplace and to implement suitable and sufficient management controls.

What are the benefits?

There are now primarily two types of asbestos survey, namely a Management Survey and a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey. A Management Survey is designed to identify asbestos-containing materials that could easily be damaged or disturbed during normal activities, such as foreseeable maintenance or through the installation of new equipment.  A more detailed Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is necessary where a property (or any part of it) is to undergo major refurbishment or demolition.

Surveys undertaken by an experienced and qualified asbestos consultant will:

  • identify the type, location, extent and condition of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within the workplace; and
  • determine an appropriate Asbestos Management Plan (AMP).

Undertaking an Asbestos Management Survey ensures correct management of asbestos risks in order to protect the health and safety of all individuals on site – employees, contractors and visitors.

How can the S2 Partnership help?

The S2 Partnership has experienced consultants who can undertake asbestos surveys and help clients formulate suitable and sufficient Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs) in line with legislative requirements.

The Survey will be undertaken by our experienced and suitably qualified asbestos surveyors. We will visit with a view to:

  • providing advice on the suitability and sufficiency of the asbestos information on-site, including compliance with HSE standards (HSG264) or MDHS 100 (prior to 2010);
  • identifying asbestos-containing materials, assessing risks and making recommendations for risk control actions;
  • examining all areas requested by the client that are safely-accessible and taking samples of suspected materials for UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis; and
  • providing a full report and documentation including survey details, asbestos register, risk assessments and management information.

Following this survey, our consultant will make recommendations for further action where necessary.

Please contact us for more information.