The duty to manage asbestos in buildings is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It involves assessing the presence and condition of ACMs, creating a management plan, and ensuring that the materials are safely maintained, and their condition monitored. This duty applies to all non-domestic premises and the common parts of multi-occupancy domestic premises.

Asbestos management is crucial for building owners, facilities managers, and those responsible for a property’s maintenance and repair. It requires taking steps to locate and manage ACMs, conducting thorough risk assessments, maintaining an asbestos register, and developing an asbestos management plan. Additionally, it involves periodically reviewing and monitoring the asbestos management plan.

With so much information on the management of asbestos, where is the best place to start? For property managers and building consultancies, it’s a good idea to begin with procuring an asbestos survey…

What is an asbestos survey and why is it important?

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property to identify and assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials.

These surveys are crucial for property management companies, as they help you to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure the safety of occupants, workers, and maintenance personnel.

Conducting asbestos surveys for property management companies is essential for several reasons. Firstly, these surveys help businesses remain compliant with legal requirements associated with asbestos.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 detail the duties that the dutyholder must comply with. The legislation requires the dutyholder to protect people from the risks of exposure to asbestos and includes people who:

• Work in their buildings.
• Use them in other ways.

The duty to manage asbestos in buildings covers:

• All non-domestic premises, like offices, shopping centres, and retail premises.
• ‘Common parts’ of multi-occupancy domestic premises, like purpose-built flats.

What is the purpose of an asbestos survey?

The primary purpose of an asbestos survey is to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs present, helping property owners and managers understand the potential risks and take necessary steps to manage or remove the asbestos safely.

An asbestos survey is also designed to:

• Provide accurate information on the location, amount, and condition of ACMs.
• Assess the level of any damage to the ACMs and whether remedial action is required.
• Provide information to produce an asbestos register and management plan for the premises.
• Identify hidden ACMs to be removed before refurbishment work or demolition.

By carrying out these surveys, businesses can protect building occupants, workers, and the environment from the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. This ensures compliance with regulations and promotes a safe living or working environment.

What are the different types of asbestos surveys?

Understanding which type of asbestos survey you need to conduct is half the battle when it comes to asbestos management. Generally, there are 4 types of asbestos surveys, or inspections, including:

• Asbestos Management Survey.
• Asbestos Reinspection Survey.
• Asbestos Demolition Survey.
• Asbestos Refurbishment Survey.

So, when is an asbestos refurbishment survey needed?

How do you select a competent asbestos surveyor?

Once you’ve decided on which asbestos survey is best suited to your business’ needs, it’s important to find a competent surveyor. Asbestos surveys and inspections must only be carried out by surveyors who:

• Have survey knowledge and know the risks in surveying.
• Have training, experience, and recognise their limitations.
• Use an effective quality management system.
• Should be able to demonstrate independence, impartiality, and integrity.
• Undertake their work strictly in accordance with Asbestos: The survey guide (HSG264).

As the dutyholder, you should be satisfied that the surveyor is technically competent to carry out the asbestos survey adequately, safely, and can allocate adequate resources to individual projects.

How can William Martin help your business with the management of asbestos?

At William Martin, we have the experience and expertise to help our clients take a compliance-based view as well as a practical and pragmatic approach to asbestos management. We work with businesses to provide comprehensive asbestos surveying and consultancy services, backed by a team of competent and experienced asbestos surveyors.

We Provide Survey Programmes:

• Asbestos refurbishment surveys.
• Asbestos management surveys and registers.
• Asbestos demolition surveys.
• Asbestos re-inspection surveys.

We Offer Competent Support:

• Strategic asbestos management reviews.
• Policies, procedures and safe working practices.
• Consultancy and advice.
• Management information reporting.
• Coaching and mentoring.
• Emergency incident advice.
• Liaison with enforcement bodies.

Working with an asbestos consultancy is a great way to reduce risk and ensure compliance. To take a proactive approach to asbestos management, get in touch with us today!

Contact

At William Martin, we bring unparalleled health & safety expertise and powerful technology to the table. Whatever your sector and wherever you are, we give you the support you need to keep compliant, strong, and successful. For all enquiries, please contact us or call our team on 0203 819 8829.