
Our comprehensive surveys can assist you
with your duty to comply with the asbestos management laws.
At ACS, all our surveys and sampling techniques for suspected
asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are carried out in
accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety
Executive guidance document ‘MDHS 100’. All
samples obtained are sent to an independent, UKAS accredited
laboratory for analysis.
We offer three types of survey:
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Type 1: Location and assessment survey (Presumptive
Survey) |
The purpose of a Type 1 survey is to locate, as far as
reasonably practical, any suspected ACMs in the building
and assess the risk. All areas must be accessed and inspected
(including; above false ceilings and inside risers, service
ducts, lift shafts etc.) or they will be presumed to contain
asbestos.
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Type 2: Standard
sampling, identification and assessment survey (Sampling
Survey) |
The purpose and procedures used in this survey are the
same as the Type 1 survey. With the Type 2 survey, however,
representative samples are collected and analysed for the
presence of asbestos.
Samples from each suspected ACM are
collected and analysed to confirm or negate the surveyor’s
judgement. Sampling may take place with the survey or,
in the case of some
larger surveys, as a separate exercise following completion
of a Type 1 survey.
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Type 3: Full access
sampling and identification survey (Pre-demolition / Major Refurbishment
Surveys) |
A Type 3 survey is used to locate and describe, as far
as reasonably practical, all ACMs in the building and involving,
if necessary, destruction inspection to gain access to
all areas, however difficult to reach.
During this survey, potential ACMs will be identified
and an estimate made of their volume and surface area.
This survey is designed to be used as a basis for tendering
the removal of ACMs from the building prior to demolition
or major refurbishment.
A Type 3 survey does not assess the condition of the asbestos
other than to note areas of damage or where additional
asbestos debris could possibly be found.
The type of survey required will depend on the individual
circumstances of the client. At ACS we can advise you on
the type of survey most appropriate to your needs.
We also ensure that whatever survey is used, it conforms
to a standard. Otherwise interpretation of the survey reports
is difficult and the management plan produced may not adequately
minimise the risks involved. By using the MDHS standard,
at ACS we meet guidelines laid down by the Health and Safety
Executive.
It is possible that for larger premises a mix of survey
types will be appropriate. It’s therefore vital that
the building owner, employer and surveyor know exactly
what type of survey is to be conducted, the specifications
for each type and in which areas they are to be used.
For example, a boiler house due for demolition will require
a Type 3 pre-demolition survey, while offices at the same
site may only need a Type 1 survey. Similarly a system
built housing estate may start with several Type 2 surveys
but subsequent, premises may be evaluated using a Type
1 survey.
To avoid any confusion we provide a clear statement of
the type of surveys to be conducted, where they are to
be carried out and an estimate of the number of samples
to be collected.
A full, jargon-free detailed report is provided at the
completion of each survey.
For more information on our asbestos surveys or to receive a free no-obligation quote, please contact us on 01422 370588 or complete our online enquiry form. |