P402 Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings

About this course

The P402 covers how to survey for Asbestos and the types of surveys. It provides techniques for taking samples of suspected asbestos materials in buildings. This includes:

• building construction and the uses of asbestos
• survey types
• bulk sampling and material assessments
• survey reports
• quality control 

Asbestos surveys play a key role in:

• identifying and recording where asbestos is present
• how likely they are to be disturbed in a premises
• assessing that material to determine how hazardous it is (in line with the requirements of Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012).

They also play a crucial role during refurbishment and demolition works to identify the asbestos within the scope of the proposed works, for it to be removed safely.

The P402 Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings qualification, gives surveyors the requisite background knowledge and practical skills required to identify and safely survey buildings for asbestos.

Download the full syllabus.

Who this course is for

This qualification is suitable for:

• Asbestos surveyors, or managers of surveyors and surveying teams.
• Asbestos re-inspectors, or anyone that undertakes asbestos re-inspections.
• Those who require a detailed understanding of asbestos surveying principles (e.g. asbestos report writers, architects, building surveyors etc.).

Level of qualification

This is a level 4 qualification in the BOHS qualifications framework, equivalent to NVQ Level 4.

How this course is delivered

The P402 course will require at least 18 hours of study time, of which at least 14 hours will be taught (teaching and practical assessments) and 4 hours will be independent (in your own time). In addition, there will be 3 hours of examination time.

Content and learning outcomes

The overall aim of this course is to provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical ability to undertake surveys of buildings in relation to asbestos. Also, to be able to provide guidance and recommendations for appropriate management actions to minimise exposure to any identified asbestos.

On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge and the correct practical methods to:

• understand building construction and how asbestos was used
• identify and take samples of different asbestos containing materials
• understand the different survey types and their requirements
• carry out material assessments
• understand and utilise all safety controls during surveys and sampling
• provide accurate and comprehensive survey reports

Assessment

The assessment is in three parts:

• Written examination 1 - this is an open-book examination comprising of approximately 35 (100 marks) short-answer questions. The examination covers building construction and the uses of asbestos and survey types
• Written examination 2 - this is an open-book examination comprising of approximately 35 (100 marks) short-answer questions. The examination covers bulk sampling and material assessments, survey reports and quality control
• Practical assessment - the practical assessment must be carried out by the Tutor during the relevant part of the course for all candidates. This is to ensure that every candidate can demonstrate knowledge of health and safety issues involved in surveying and bulk sampling and demonstrate the skills used in taking samples of different types of asbestos-containing materials commonly used in buildings

Candidates who pass all the parts within 12 months will be awarded a (P402) Proficiency Certificate in Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings.

To take the P402 certificate, a candidate should have:

• awareness of the contents of HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide
• a minimum of six months’ prior experience of assisting on asbestos surveys.
• previous training to cover the core competences outlined within the foundation material detailed within Table A9.1 of HSG248 Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide. This may be achieved by in-house learning or through the P400 foundation module

Our training providers

Our dedicated team of experts have a wealth of experience conducting inspection and testing activities across a large and varied estate.

We train our own staff to successfully pass the P402 qualification and are experts in all areas of asbestos management, having many years of experience working with local authorities and specifically with public buildings including extensive education stock.

As a non-profit organisation, we hold quality at the heart of everything we do.

In addition to our highly qualified asbestos training providers, we also have a support team available via phone or email. With Asbestos Management Services, you will always receive the highest levels of training and support.