Objective

 

The purpose of all asbestos surveys is to undertake a visual inspection throughout the property and identify fibrous materials likely to contain asbestos for subsequent sampling and laboratory analysis. Where appropriate for each use of asbestos identified a risk assessment is presented with conclusions where appropriate for remedial action.

Preliminary

 

Obtain background information to include where possible:

Visual Inspection

 

Undertake a walk round visual inspection to identify fibrous materials likely to contain asbestos. The inspection should be undertaken discretely without drawing undue attention to the building occupants.

All materials suspected of containing asbestos shall be noted for subsequent sampling. Observe and record the visual condition of any suspect asbestos. Assess the likelihood of damage albeit accidental or via maintenance access. All suspect areas which are inaccessible for close inspection and sampling shall also be noted.

Note the construction of all suspect areas i.e. plasterboard, timber etc. Record any areas where loose suspect asbestos fibres may have been released and the material is either damaged or in a condition where it may become dislodged.

Where possible selectively remove loose-laid non-asbestos based ceiling tiles to inspect the ceiling void above. Ceiling tiles shall not be removed in sensitive locations i.e. food preparation and display areas.

The inspection is visual only. Permanent finishes are not to be damaged or removed. Access panels particularly for service riser cupboard and ducts etc, if screw fixed, shall be removed if possible in selected locations. Any areas suspected of obscuring asbestos based material from view will be highlighted.

Non-asbestos based 'Supalux' fibreboard shall be identified and recorded by way of a visual inspection. If concealed behind surface coverings then sampling may be necessary.

Bulk Sampling

 

All suspect items identified within the visual inspection shall be sampled where accessible whilst maintaining the health and safety of both the surveyor and building occupants. Sampling is to be undertaken where possible in areas remote from building occupants.

Personal protective clothing and face masks shall be worn during sampling and disposed of in an appropriate manner upon completion. Sampling tools shall be disposed of and discarded as contaminated waste upon completion.

When sampling either break or cleanly cut the suspect material rather than drilling or sawing. Fibre release when sampling shall be collected in a plastic bag with sealed openings. Never remove a sample where asbestos fibre release cannot be contained and collected.

All samples to be placed within two sealed plastic bags. The outer bag shall be labelled with a unique identification. All sample bags to be kept in a container labelled as containing asbestos.

Upon removal of sample. The test location shall be sealed as appropriate either by paint and/or a double layer of heavy duty 'Duck' tape. No cut or broken edges to remain. Upon completion check no asbestos fibres have fallen to floor etc.

Do not remove samples of asbestos-cement from boiler flues where the risk of damage may render the flue unfit for use. This may also similarly apply to other forms of dense asbestos-cement products.