Asbestos survey
An inspection of a building or structure to identify the location, condition and type of any asbestos-containing materials present. In GB, two types are defined: a management survey and a refurbishment or demolition survey.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“asbestos survey”Exact equivalentThe Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (regulation 4) requires dutyholders in non-domestic premises to identify the location, condition and type of any asbestos-containing materials. HSE guidance (HSG264) defines two survey types: a management survey (to identify ACMs during normal occupancy) and a refurbishment and demolition survey (to identify ACMs before structural work).
Irish HSA
“asbestos survey”Close equivalentThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/417) require that before carrying out any work liable to expose employees to asbestos, the employer must assess the likelihood of asbestos being present. An asbestos management survey is needed for duty to manage purposes; a refurbishment survey is needed before structural work.
US OSHA
“asbestos survey”Close equivalentOSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101(k)(2) requires employers to presume that materials are asbestos-containing unless the employer has shown, by bulk sampling analysis, that the material contains no asbestos. Surveys must be conducted before renovation or demolition. OSHA does not use the GB two-tier management/refurbishment survey classification.
Practitioner note: Match the survey type to the work. A management survey does not cover refurbishment or demolition, and commissioning the wrong one is a common and expensive error.