Surveys
Linsch Consultants Ltd carry out asbestos surveys as described in HSG264 “Asbestos: The Survey Guide” published by the HSE. It details areas of best practice and the types of asbestos containing material (ACMs), which may be found within premises. All staff are appropriately trained to the required standard, hold the P402 qualification and have a solid background of many years’ experience.
What are Asbestos Surveys?
An asbestos survey is used to locate asbestos containing materials within a building. The surveyor also makes an assessment of the condition.
A survey report is generated which is used to create a management plan in order to manage the asbestos identified effectively, either by monitoring the condition of the material or by removing it altogether.
Do I Need an Asbestos Survey?
Asbestos-containing materials were used in construction until 1999, so many buildings in Great Britain built before 2000 still contain asbestos. Where asbestos materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they present a very low risk. Where the asbestos is likely to be disturbed, asbestos fibres may be released into the air. The fibres are known to cause serious lung diseases including cancer.
Asbestos surveys are used to give information on where asbestos is in the building in order for exposure to the harmful fibres to be prevented through a management plan.
Which Type of Asbestos Survey do I Need?
- Management Surveys aim to locate ACMs that may be disturbed during day-to-day use of a building
- Refurbishment Surveys locate ACMs that could be disturbed during planned maintenance. They are more intrusive than management surveys
- Demolition Surveys aim to identify all ACMs within a building that is due to be demolished
- Re-Inspection Surveys are a periodic check on the condition of ACMs found during a previous asbestos survey
How Linsch Consultants Ltd Can Help You
Linsch Consultants Ltd carry out surveys in residential, local authority, commercial and industrial buildings. All of our surveyors hold P402 qualifications. Experience is gained through shadowing a competent surveyor.
All samples generated through our asbestos surveys are sent to our own in-house laboratory which enables faster reporting, and we can help our clients design a management plan if needed.
Management Surveys
An asbestos management survey is required in order to adequately manage asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in a cost effective manner. A visual inspection of all accessible parts of the buildings is carried out to record the location and assess the risk from the ACM.
During a management survey, suspect materials are sampled in order to show whether asbestos is present. Their location is recorded with the extent of the material. An assessment is carried out which asses the risk of exposure to asbestos from the material. A material assessment takes into account the type of material, its condition and how well-encapsulated it is, and finally the asbestos type(s) identified in the laboratory analysis.
The information generated from a management survey report should be used to create a management plan. In the report, our surveyors will usually recommend the appropriate action to take for each material found. This may be as simple as an annual inspection if the material is in good condition. Alternatives include encapsulation if the material is bare, or removal if it is heavily damaged.
Linsch Consultants Ltd are able to provide assistance with the management of any asbestos materials found. We can conduct re-inspection survey if required, or project manage during asbestos removals works.
At Linsch Consultants Ltd our surveyors usually work in pairs, particularly for large scale projects for our safety and yours. They carry identification, and are happy to explain what they are doing whilst on site. We are not affiliated with any removals contractors so our clients can be assured that we are completely impartial. To book a survey with us, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Demolition/Pre Refurbishment Survey
A demolition or pre-refurbishment survey is needed where a whole building, or part of it, is due to be demolished or have refurbishments undertaken. The aim of this type of survey is to locate (as far as reasonably practicable) any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed by planned demolition works.
This survey is fully intrusive and may even be destructive in order to gain access to all areas affected by the works. The survey should cover all areas down to the fabric of the building, including those difficult to reach. This type of survey cannot normally be carried out in an occupied building due to the destructive nature of the sampling and inspection techniques used.
During this type of survey, suspect materials are sampled in order to confirm or refute the asbestos content. Their location is recorded with the extent of the material. An assessment is carried out to assess the risk of exposure to asbestos from the material. A material assessment takes into account the type of material, its condition and how well-encapsulated it is, and finally the asbestos type(s) identified in the laboratory analysis.
The information generated from this type of survey report should be used to create a plan for the removal of asbestos containing materials. The material type gives an indication of whether its removal will need to be notified to the HSE, and the location and extent will help in budgeting both time and money for the project.
Linsch Consultants Ltd are able to provide assistance with the management and removal of any asbestos materials found.