What is an asbestos survey

An asbestos survey is an inspection conducted to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings or structures. Asbestos was widely used in construction materials due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. However, it poses significant health risks when its fibers are inhaled, leading to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Therefore, identifying and managing asbestos in buildings is crucial. Here’s a detailed overview of an asbestos survey:

Types of Asbestos Surveys

1. Asbestos Management Survey

– Purpose: To ensure that no one is harmed by the presence of asbestos in a building during normal occupancy, including maintenance and routine activities.
– Scope: Identifies the location, type, and condition of ACMs that could be disturbed during normal activities or maintenance.
– Method: Involves a combination of visual inspection and sampling of suspected ACMs.
– Outcome: A report detailing the findings and recommendations for managing the identified asbestos.

2. Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

– Purpose: Required before any refurbishment, demolition, or significant building work is undertaken to prevent asbestos exposure.
– Scope: Identifies all ACMs that might be disturbed or damaged during the planned work.
– Method: More intrusive than a management survey, as it may involve disturbing building fabric to access all areas, including hidden spaces.
– Outcome: A comprehensive report detailing the presence, type, condition, and extent of ACMs, ensuring they are safely removed or managed before work begins.

Process of Conducting an Asbestos Survey

1. Planning and Preparation

– Site Assessment: Understanding the building’s history, construction materials, and previous asbestos surveys or removals.
– Survey Plan: Developing a plan that outlines the areas to be inspected, methods to be used, and safety precautions.

2. Visual Inspection

– Identifying Suspected ACMs: Inspecting all accessible areas of the building, including ceilings, walls, floors, insulation, pipes, and ducts.
– Condition Assessment: Evaluating the condition of suspected ACMs to determine the risk of fiber release.

3. Sampling

– Collection of Samples: Taking small samples of suspected materials using safe and controlled methods.
– Laboratory Analysis: Sending samples to an accredited laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos and, if so, what type.

4. Reporting

– Detailed Findings: A report that includes the location, type, and condition of ACMs, with photographic evidence and floor plans if necessary.
– Risk Assessment: Evaluating the risk associated with each identified ACM based on its condition and potential for disturbance.
– Recommendations: Providing guidance on how to manage the ACMs, including whether they should be left in place, encapsulated, or removed.

Importance of an Asbestos Survey

– Health and Safety: Protects occupants, workers, and the public from asbestos exposure and related health risks.
– Legal Compliance: Ensures compliance with regulations and legislation governing asbestos management and control.
– Risk Management: Helps property owners and managers identify and mitigate asbestos-related risks, preventing costly legal and health issues.
– Project Planning: Provides essential information for safe planning and execution of refurbishment, demolition, or maintenance projects.

Regulatory Framework

– OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): In the U.S., OSHA sets regulations for asbestos exposure in the workplace.
– EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): The EPA regulates asbestos in schools and public and commercial buildings under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
– HSE (Health and Safety Executive): In the U.K., the HSE regulates asbestos management under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Hiring a Professional

– Licensed Asbestos Surveyors: Engage qualified and licensed professionals to conduct asbestos surveys, ensuring accurate identification and management of ACMs.
– Accreditation: Look for surveyors accredited by relevant bodies, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the U.S. or the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

By conducting an asbestos survey, property owners and managers can ensure a safe environment, comply with legal requirements, and effectively manage the risks associated with asbestos. Many homes built prior to 1980 contain asbestos in some form. Even after 1980, asbestos containing materials are present in building materials as asbestos still finds its way into building products that are sold in the United States. The presence of asbestos in multiple materials commonly found indoors offers homeowners the potential for exposure resulting in cancers including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. AirMD’s Asbestos Testing and Asbestos Surveys will identify asbestos containing materials to allow for proper removal.

The main concern relating to materials that contain asbestos is whether it is friable. When asbestos becomes friable the opportunity for an exposure increases. When materials in the home begin to degrade or any renovations, demolition or construction is to occur, an asbestos survey is recommended to ensure no material that contains asbestos is disturbed.

AirMD has established itself as an industry leader in the field of asbestos management, testing and consulting. Our staff of scientists and asbestos consultants are certified and licensed and have extensive experience in conducting asbestos surveys, asbestos abatement scope of work development and asbestos management.

To ask an AirMD Consultant a question about this service please Click Here or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD.