Asbestos Surveys

We can usually provide an instant quotation for an asbestos survey overthe telephone and conduct the asbestos survey within 1-2 weeks of receiving your call on 0121 711 7110.

Since 21 May 2004 it has been a legal requirement for all commercial premises to have an asbestos management plan. The regulations concerning asbestos in the UK changed again in November 2006, with the introduction of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.

The regulations describe what employers and landlords of commercial premises need to do in order to protect visitors and the workforce from the dangers of asbestos.

This usually means having an asbestos register compiled by a competent person (an asbestos surveyor) following a physical survey of the premises, known as an asbestos survey.

The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify materials that may contain asbestos.

When a suspected material is discovered, a photograph is taken for entry into the asbestos register for the premises. In some cases, a sample of the material will be taken to confirm the presence (or not) of asbestos in the material.

Asbestos sampling is not compulsory in the most basic form of survey, known as a Type 1 asbestos survey, but it is recommended that selective asbestos sampling is undertaken where asbestos presence may cause increased maintenance costs later - it is better to rule out the presence of asbestos in these cases, rather than to presume that asbestos is present.

The type 2 asbestos survey involves sampling of all materials suspected of containing asbestos, but in most cases, a type 2 asbestos survey is not necessary in order for compliance with the regulations.

MONEY SAVING TIP: It is cheaper to have a type 1 asbestos survey with selective asbestos sampling than it is to have a type 2 asbestos survey, though not all asbestos surveyors offer this option and will insist on conducting a more expensive type 2 asbestos survey.

A Type 3 asbestos survey is required on premises that are undergoing major refurbishment or are due for demolition.

The Type 3 asbestos survey is an intrusive survey and involves some inevitable damage to the fabric of the building.

A Type 3 asbestos survey involves extensive asbestos sampling, as it is the surveyor's duty to find all asbestos containing materials in the area concerned.

This is the most expensive asbestos survey type simply because it takes a lot longer to carry out than a type 1 or 2 asbestos survey, which are both non-invasive.

If you would like to discuss the options available to you, or would like specific advice about asbestos surveys, please contact us - we will be very pleased to talk with you by telephone at any time.

In the meantime, there is more in-depth information about asbestos surveys on our dedicated asbestos survey site, www.AsbestosSurveys.com