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Posted By Anne Lawson
Hi, what is the opinion of everyone re the need to carry out asbestos surveying. Argument for is that you need to be a specialist to know where presumed materials lie. Argument against is that samples are random and in buildings where much work has been done over the years fibres could be missed. Heard quite convincing argument from dutyholder who has done visual inspection, drawn up plan and isolated the one pipe he thinks may have ACM's. He has clearly indicated that before maintenance work occurs he will have samples of that area send. My concern is re emergency maintenance. What does everyone think? Certainly the cost of surveying can be prohibitive for many small businesses
Thanks
Anne Lawson
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Posted By Jack Jennings
You are quite correct in your assumption that it is not technically necessary to appoint a specialist surveyor to undertake this work.
However, a problem may arise if work were undertaken on a building and it was discovered that asbestos containing materials were present which had not been identified.
Further, the Regulations require not only that an 'inspection' be undertaken, but also that the location of the asbestos in situ be properly documented, and also 'managed'. This may require periodic monitoring of the 'presumed' asbestos containing material, which would again need documenting.
This could be a rather time consuming exercise insofar that you could well spend significant amount of time monitoring and documenting what turns out not to be asbestos.
Further, if you intend upon sampling yourself, you may encounter some problems with your employers liability insurers, who could impose a significant increase in your premiums or may well insist that a survey be carried out by a contractor.
Therefore, it could well be that it is more cost effective in the long term to have this work undertaken by a competent firm.
If you have found the cost of this work to be prohibitive, we may be able to assist you in this matter. If you would like further information, please contact me and I would be more than happy to help.
Regards
Jack Jennings
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Posted By Jeff Manion
Questions to consider.
How old is the property?
What and how is it used?
Is there moving equipment - fork lift trucks.
Can the fabric be damaged?
What is in the boiler room and other areas infrequently used?
What maintenace is required?
Will work be required i.e. decoration, electrical, mechanical repairs?
These may assist in the first assessment - is there a potential for exposure -
I agreee you do not need the "expert", if you use the MDHS100 it may help you through the process and when works required maintenance etc, take samples in areas where works are required. Until then consider all materials are containing asbestos. But and sometimes it is a big but, what do your insurers say, they do have a view and may want to knwo what the risk is likely to be and one way of achieving this is to have the "survey" completed by the "expert".
Jeff Manion
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