Dawson & Associates Surveyors

Dawson and associates can provide a full Asbestos survey covering types 1,2 & 3.

Asbestos has in the past been noted as a wonder material, because it was cheap, light weight , heat and water resistant, could be moulded into many shapes and products and there was plentiful supply of raw material. As we now know the problem with this fantastic material is that it is extremely toxic even in very small quantities, and can pose serious health risks.

The three types of survey for asbestos that can be carried out, depending on the requirement are as follows.

Formal Asbestos Surveys are required to be carried out in accordance the guidelines for Surveying, Sampling and Assessment of Asbestos Containing Material in The Health and Safety Executive’s Methods of the Determination of Hazardous Substances (MDHS) guidance document No. 100 (MDHS 100).

The location, condition and extent of all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) and suspected asbestos containing materials identified during the asbestos survey are recorded in the form of an Asbestos Register. It is a mandatory HSE requirement to have such a document, which is auditable along with normal H&SW documentation. Confirmation of asbestos content obtained through sampling is added to the Asbestos Register.

Health and Safety during surveys

Work during surveys frequently involves working close to, or with, asbestos. During inspection and sampling, the area is cordoned off and possible fibre release is minimised to ensure the safety of the surveyors and the building’s users or occupiers.

Where can Asbestos be found

The following lists some examples of where Asbestos may be used, however this is not exhaustive.

Loose fibre in loft spaces
Quilts around heaters and hot water vessels
Sprayed as fire protective coating onto girders and beams
Sprayed as thermal insulation onto walls, ceilings, floors, pipes and boilers
Sound insulation
Fire breaks
Staircases and lift shafts
Stud partitioning, both the fibre panel and loose pack inside the void
Flue pipes and chimneys
Pre-formed pipe sections and slabs of insulation
Tapes and ropes used as gaskets in boilers and heaters
Soffit and barge boards on roofs
Electrical insulation cabinets
Fire blankets, gloves and aprons

Type 1 Basic location and assessment asbestos survey which will give a general indication if there are any asbestos materials within the property. No samples are taken to determine whether materials are or are not asbestos so presumptions are therefore necessary.
Type 2 Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey. Small samples of all materials that are likely to contain asbestos are taken in a non- destructive manner from all reasonably accessible areas. Samples are sent to accredited scientific laboratories for testing and they produce a report on the asbestos content of the samples.
Type 3 Full access, sampling and identification survey that will include intrusion under floors, into sealed voids, ducts and enclosed spaces. This type of survey is recommended before building works take place or demolition.