Asbestos Surveying – The grand scheme of things
In January this year, the HSE in print new guidance on asbestos surveying, which explicitly advocates the need for Asbestos Surveyors to be able to demonstrate and ensure competency.
The HSE estimates that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in some 500,000 commercial properties in the UK. No one really knows how much asbestos still remains in UK buildings but those built before 1999, when asbestos was finally banned, are likely to still contain some, with those pre-dating 1985, when blue and brown asbestos were banned, causing the most concern.
The fact that some of the 6 million tonnes of imported asbestos remains in UK premises is the reason why the ‘duty to manage’ was introduced under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. Now Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, this requires duty-holders, i.e. those who own and/or occupy premises, to manage the ACMs in those premises.
Learn more details here Asbestos Management and Refurbishment / Demolition Surveys
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Asbestos Management Surveys and Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys.
The type of survey will vary during the lifespan of the premises and several maybe needed over time. A Management Survey will be required during the normal occupation and use of the building to ensure continued management of the ACMs in situ. A refurbishment or demolition survey will be necessary when the building (or part of it) is to be upgraded, refurbished or demolished. It is probable that at larger premises a mixture of survey types will be appropriate, eg a boiler house due for demolition will require a refurbishment/demolition survey, while offices at the same site would have a management survey. In later years refurbishment surveys may be required in rooms or floors which are being upgraded.
In sectors where there are large numbers of properties (eg domestic houses) or internal units (eg hotels), only particular rooms may be specified for upgrading, eg kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Refurbishment surveys would only be necessary in these locations. It is important that the client and the surveyor know exactly what type of survey is to be carried out and where, and what the specification will be. So there should be a clear statement and record of the type of survey that is to be carried out, including the reasons for selecting that type of survey, and where it is to be carried out.
Need advice and information on Asbestos surveys? you should contact Veritas Health and Safety Consultants 0121 249 1281
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Asbestos The Survey Guide hsg264
The HSE has reviewed its ‘MDHS 100′ guidance on asbestos surveying, which describes Type 1, 2 and 3 surveys and this document was replaced on 29th January 2010 with ‘Managing Asbestos in Premises, The Survey Guide (HSG 264)’, which describes management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.
The HSE estimates that there are between half a million and a million non-domestic properties , within the UK, which still contain asbestos, and there will be an increasing requirement for the more invasive refurbishment/demolition surveys which are particularly demanding.
‘Managing asbestos in Premises, The Survey Guide (HSG 264)’ therefore places a far greater emphasis on competency.
Download your free copy here. The Asbestos Survey Guide
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Do you have Asbestos in your Domestic home?
When buying or selling a house, or even contemplating renovation or DIY tasks, you should be fully aware of the potential harm ful risks posed by any deadly Asbestos-Containing materials that may be present.
If you are a buyer or seller, the presence of Asbestos-Containing material has the potential to substantially adversely affect the value of the property.
Did you know that over 70% of UK homes potentially contain asbestos in some form.
Increasing numbers of mortgage lenders and conveyance solicitors are advising prospective buyers to obtain Specialist Reports on Asbestos prior to exchange of contracts.
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Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2006) contains an explicit duty to assess and manage the risks from the presence of asbestos. The risks will vary with circumstances and can arise from normal occupation of a building or from inadvertent disturbance during the repair, refurbishment and demolition of the premises. The assessment will be used to produce a management plan which details and records the actions to be undertaken to manage and reduce the risks from asbestos. The requirements are placed on “duty holders” who should:
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Firstly, The Health and Safety Issues
Undertaking an asbestos survey will present health and safety issues to the asbestos surveyors and others. Therefore before carrying out a site survey, it is important that an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of surveyors, sampling personnel and other occupants is carried out.
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