HSG264 - ASBESTOS: THE SURVEY GUIDE DUTYHOLDER KEY POINTS SUMMARY. HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey guide contains a number of coloured summary boxes.

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1 HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey guide contains a number of coloured summary boxes. Below is a quick reference guide of the green summary boxes Specific guidance for clients / dutyholders. The purpose of an asbestos survey To help manage asbestos in your premises. To provide accurate information on the location, amount and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). To assess the level of damage or deterioration in the ACMs and whether remedial action is required. To use the survey information to prepare a record of the location of any asbestos, commonly called an asbestos register,* and an asbestos plan of the building(s). To help identify all the ACMs to be removed before refurbishment work or demolition. *Note: the information in the register should be used to inform the risk assessment (e.g. consider who could disturb asbestos on your premises), and to establish the management plan to prevent such a disturbance. Page 4

2 What the client / dutyholder should do to check the competency of the surveyor The dutyholder should be satisfied that the surveyor is competent to carry out the work required. This means that the dutyholder should make reasonable enquiries as to whether the organisation or individual is technically competent to carry out the survey adequately and safely, and can allocate adequate resources to it. The competency enquiry should be carried out as a two-stage process: Stage 1: An assessment of the individual s or company s survey expertise and also, their knowledge of health and safety, to determine whether these are sufficient to enable them to carry out the survey competently, safely and without risk to health. Stage 2: An assessment of the individual s or company s experience and track record to establish if it is capable of doing the work and that it recognises its limitations. Stage 1: Establish the accreditation or certification status of the surveyor and any relevant asbestos survey qualifications (see paragraphs 23 28). Obtain a written declaration which states that the surveyor can operate with independence, impartiality and integrity and that personnel carrying out the work are adequately trained for all aspects of the work taking place. In addition, obtain copies of the current insurance certificates for employer s liability, public liability and professional indemnity cover and check them to see that they cover the proposed work. Stage 2: Obtain information on the surveyor s past experience on the type of survey planned and their capability to do the work. References or evidence of recent similar work should be requested. If a company or surveyor cannot demonstrate competence through current accreditation or personnel certification, the dutyholder will need to conduct a more detailed assessment of their competence to do the work. This will include requesting: details of their qualifications, copies of their written procedures (including quality control policies) and references to other evidence of recent similar work. Page 15 Page 2 of 5

3 Areas to be inspected as part of a management survey All ACMs should be identified as far as is reasonably practicable. The areas inspected should include: underfloor coverings, above false ceilings (ceiling voids), lofts, inside risers, service ducts and lift shafts, basements, cellars, underground rooms, undercrofts (this list is not exhaustive). Page 20 Information the client / dutyholder should expect from the surveyor Surveyor(s) identity, qualifications, accreditation or certification status, quality control procedures. References from previous work. Insurance (professional indemnity cover). Costs. Proposed scope of work. Plan of work, including plans for sampling or asbestos disturbance. Timetable. Details of caveats. Report, including areas not accessed / not surveyed. Page 25 Page 3 of 5

4 Information required for a management survey Asbestos product type(s). Location of the material(s). Extent (or quantity) of the material(s). Asbestos type(s). Accessibility and/or vulnerability of the material(s). Amount of damage or deterioration. Surface treatment (if any). Page 33 Information* required for a refurbishment or demolition survey Asbestos product type(s). Location of the material(s). Extent (or quantity) of the material(s). Asbestos type(s). * Note: Where the refurbishment or demolition work will not take place for a significant period after the survey (e.g. three months), then the information required for a management survey should be obtained Page 33 Page 4 of 5

5 What the client / dutyholder should do to check the accuracy of the survey report Check the report against the original tender. Check for unagreed caveats or disclaimers. Check that the survey is as requested: Management or refurbishment/ demolition (or a combination). Check diagrams and plans are clear and accurate. Check all rooms and areas have been accessed. Check sufficient samples have been taken (usually 1 2 per area/room) and that sample numbers are not disproportionate (eg dominated by one ACM type). Check sample numbers reflect variations in the same ACMs, eg different ceiling tiles in the same room. Check for any obvious discrepancies and inconsistencies. Page 46 Page 5 of 5