Posted By Stephan How often should asbestos surveys be carried out ? Is it just the once unless things change Steve

Posted By steve e ashton Whilst its not the same thing as a survey it is surely good practice to review the existing / previous information occasionally to confirm that it is still valid. Thus - if you have done some demolition or alteration works and 'forgotten' to update the records or Asbestos Management Plan, then this tells you something important. Also, if you have ACMs which may be subject to damage - then a review of the material condition should be undertaken periodically. Again, its not quite the same thing as a survey, BUT - if material encapsulation has been damaged or the material is showing to deterioration, then action may be required / priorities changed and the AM Plan needs to be reviewed and updated. What period defines 'periodically' may be defined in your asbestos management plan, advised by the intial survey. For many review exercises, annually may be appropriate. Where the material is identified as being low risk or in areas not subject to frequent access, then every two, three or even more years may be appropriate - it depends on the nature of the material and the use of the area where it is located. Steve

Posted By Robert K Lewis We do need to be clear on the difference between "monitoring" and "survey". The former must be part of any management plan and includes the inspection of any materials in situ. The frequency is dependent on your assessment of the risks of deterioration of the ACM and its vulnerability. Thus some could be several times per year. The latter is something that does not have to be repeated unless some factor intervenes, such as MAK indicates when an inaccessible area becomes accessible. This may be during even a minor refurbishment operation. This is not to say however that the original full survey needs to be re-done. You are adding to the store of information that already exists. I am currently looking at work in some grade 1 listed premises and the exisiting survey information will be extended as the floorboards are lifted and sampling can then take place. I personally am happier to do this with experienced operatives under the supervision of the structural engineer with a surveyor/analyst present than to let a surveyor loose with the potential to damage listed plaster and floorboards. Sorry to those surveyors reading this - I have had some bad experiences. If asbestos is found and removal required then the area will have to wait for 14 days before we start removal. Bob