Client's Health & Safety Advisor has stated in an audit that 2009 Type 3 surveys without full access are not acceptable to plan the work. The work consist of new roofs to properties and so main finding is soffit & fascia boars and the odd cement flue. So my question is do new surveys have to be carried out or can the current surveys which provide sufficient information be used ??. Also to add to the mix, it is the client who is providing the surveys via an external Company Regards Paul R

Paul, I wouldnt accept the surveys either, the new type of surveys now cant have any caveats, so therefore you cant not miss any areas. Basically if you have a access a electrical box your client must provide the relevant electrican. A Type 3 Survey is now called a Demolition/Refurbishment Survey. Remember a lot can change in 2 years. Bugs

Yep agree. Complete a R&D survey is my view. Les

djupnorth if you look at Reg 5 of Asbestos Regs Identification of the presence of asbestos This section has no associated Explanatory Memorandum 5. An employer shall not undertake work in demolition, maintenance, or any other work which exposes or is liable to expose his employees to asbestos in respect of any premises unless either— (a)he has carried out a suitable and sufficient assessment as to whether asbestos, what type of asbestos, contained in what material and in what condition is present or is liable to be present in those premises; or. (b)if there is doubt as to whether asbestos is present in those premises he—. (i)assumes that asbestos is present, and that it is not chrysotile alone, and. (ii)observes the applicable provisions of these Regulations. What he said may be tchnically correct, but what if the smart person makes a mistake saying no asbestos present without testing it - i would not want to be in his shoes when he gets his collar felt.

As I have an interest in the subject at the moment, surely an experienced surveyor would be able to ascertain by visibly checking to see if ACMs were present. Only if in doubt would they take samples for analysis?

Ron Thanks for pointing that out. However, if it was obvious ie chip board - no analysis will be needed, if it was plaster board or possibly an ACM, then the surveyor might take a sample. Surely, he would only take samples if there was some doubt?

Spot on Ray, there are some materials which are obviously NOT asbestos (brick, lath and plaster etc). Over the years though Asbestos containing products were made to mimic many materials - even wood grain! And as always, in a refurb.demolition - you don't know what lurks beneath until you do that intrusive survey.