Type of Survey

Definition of Survey

Summary of Management Consequences of each Survey Type

Issues/comments

Our existing surveys

1

A Visual Inspection - making educated assumptions, erring on the side of caution, to identify every location where asbestos may be present, in all accessible work areas

These surveys are supplemented by detailed type 2 surveys by HSS prior to undertaking refurbishment works.

Controls must be implemented where asbestos is or is suspected to be present. This survey type therefore increases the areas in which precautions have to be taken - many of which will be unnecessary.

Our survey strategy was formulated approximately six years ahead of this new requirement. We elected to survey the areas which staff will access. These original surveys do not cover the work environment of those undertaking maintenance works, ceiling voids, loft spaces for example.

2

Type one plus sampling, a Sampling Survey of accessible areas - building on an educated assumption by taking a sample of the suspected material to confirm or rule out the presence of asbestos.

The addition of sampling ensures that the resulting register will be accurate and will only demand controls where they are required.

What it does not cover, however, is the asbestos contained in the centre of walls, under flooring, inside ductwork etc. (inaccessible areas)

Organisations set as exemplars by the HSE have all adopted a type-two survey strategy. Given our in-house expertise at HSS and our desire to demonstrate best practice in protecting the health and safety of our staff and visitors it seems an appropriate use of resources to undertake a full type 2 survey of all buildings.

3

A Destructive Sampling Survey - sampling all areas. Mainly to identify asbestos containing materials in non-accessible areas prior to major refurbishment or building works.

This destructive survey cannot be carried out in an area, which is in use as samples have to be taken from deep inside the fabric of the building. It is, however, a vital part in protecting workers undertaking construction works.

The results often do not add to the register in the long-term as the products will usually be removed. However, the results can inform the use of other similar buildings.