Understanding and managing the presence of asbestos in buildings is a critical safety concern that property owners and facility managers must confront. With its historical prevalence in construction materials up to the late 20th century, asbestos survey can still be found in many existing structures. Conducting a thorough asbestos survey is pivotal in ensuring that occupants are protected from the potential health risks it poses. In this post, we’ll demystify asbestos surveys, outlining the systematic approach you can take to safeguard your property and its occupants.
What is Asbestos, and Why is it Hazard and Risk
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were heavily used in building materials for their durability, resistance to heat, and insulating properties. However, when materials containing asbestos are damaged or deteriorate over time, they can release fibers into the air that, if inhaled, can lead to serious health issues such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.
The Importance of an Asbestos Survey
The purpose of an asbestos survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. A detailed survey acts as both a protective measure and a legal requirement in many jurisdictions for any work that may disturb the fabric of a building constructed before the year 2000.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
There are typically two main types of surveys:
1. Management Surveys
This type of survey is the standard one which is performed to locate the existence of asbestos in a building. It involves sampling and analysis to identify the presence of ACMs and is less intrusive than a refurbishment/demolition survey. The data collected during a management survey should inform the creation of an asbestos management plan.
2. Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys
Before any significant refurbishment or demolition work, a more comprehensive survey is necessary. This may involve destructive inspection methods to access all areas and is designed to locate all the asbestos in the structure so it can be removed prior to any demolition or renovation work.
Step-by-Step Approach to Conducting an Asbestos Survey
Step 1: Choosing a Certified Professional
It’s critical to enlist the help of a certified asbestos surveyor or consultancy. These professionals will have the expertise, experience, and legislative knowledge to conduct the survey correctly.
Step 2: Preparing for the Survey
Once a surveyor is chosen, they will need access to building plans, previous survey reports, and any historical construction documents available. Communication with the occupants is also vital to reduce any disruption.
Step 3: Surveying the Property
The surveyor will inspect all areas of your property to identify materials that are suspect ACMs. They may take samples of these materials, which will then be sent to a lab for analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos.
Step 4: Survey Report
After the survey, you’ll receive a report detailing the findings. This document will include an assessment of the condition of ACMs, location, and recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos.
Step 5: Action Plan
Based on the survey results, you might need to develop an action plan. This could involve remedial measures like encapsulating ACMs that are in good condition or removing those that could be disturbed during regular occupancy or future renovation work.
The Aftermath – Managing Asbestos Post-Survey
Completing an asbestos survey is not the end of your responsibilities. You need to ensure proper management of ACMs through regular re-inspections and updating the asbestos register as necessary. If removal is required, this must be done by licensed asbestos removalists following strict guidelines to prevent fiber release and exposure.
Conclusion
An asbestos survey is a primary line of defense against the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. Timely and professional surveys, combined with effective management strategies, are central to safeguarding the health and safety of everyone who comes into contact with older buildings. Take the proactive step to understand the specific asbestos risks in your property, and put into place an effective management or mitigation strategy to handle these dangers responsibly.
