Are there different types of asbestos surveys?
Yes there are!
Asbestos can be found in both the surfaces and the fabric of buildings so we often need to carry out different types of inspections based on what your needs are. Do you just want to know if there is asbestos in your property or workplace? Are you planning renovations or demolition?
Read our summary below of each type of survey and what they cover.
Asbestos Management Survey
A full building/site survey inspecting all accessible surfaces without causing damage to structure or finishes
Sampling will be carried out where possible to confirm presence or absence of asbestos in suspect materials - sample points must be sealed so fibres are not released
Materials that cannot be sampled, and rooms that cannot be accessed, will be presumed to contain asbestos
Allows for day to day building use and routine maintenance
Helps the PCBU meet their duties for identifying hazards - in this case, asbestos - in the workplace
You will need further survey work if you want to carry out renovations or demolition in the future
Asbestos Refurbishment Survey
A targeted intrusive survey where we will open up hidden surfaces (like wall/ceiling/floor voids, framework, remove decorative finishes etc)
Sampling will be carried out to confirm presence or absence of asbestos in suspect materials - sample points must be sealed so fibres are not released
Presuming asbestos if we cannot sample it is avoided unless absolutely necessary
Identifies asbestos containing materials that may be affected by refurbishment/renovations so it can be removed safely before works start
Asbestos Demolition Survey
A fully intrusive survey into all hidden surfaces of the property as far as reasonably practicable
Sampling will be carried out to confirm presence or absence of asbestos in suspect materials - sample points still must be sealed so fibres are not released while building is waiting for demolition
Presuming asbestos if we cannot sample a material is avoided unless absolutely necessary
Identifies asbestos containing materials that must be removed safely before demolition starts
Building should be vacated and all services need to be isolated throughout the survey
No matter what the survey type, you will always be provided with a survey report. Our comprehensive reports include:
scope of work so it is clear what the survey is covering
recommendations based on our experience.
full building register with photographs of all the items that have been sampled/presumed
other observations such as non-asbestos building components
clear site plans to help you understand where samples have been taken
laboratory certificates from an IANZ accredited asbestos lab
Surveys must be carried out by a competent person - always make sure you do your due diligence before engaging a surveyor! If you come to us, you can be assured that our surveyors have formal qualifications to carry out the work and the right experience for your project.
Reinspection Surveys are where a surveyor regularly inspects the sampled and presumed asbestos containing materials to make sure they are still in good condition. Any damage can then be cleaned up and fixed. The reinspection period varies - it should be specified in the Asbestos Management Plan. One idea is annually for high risk (friable) materials and every other year for low risk (non-friable materials). At the very least, everything must be checked when you review your Asbestos Management Plan every 5 years.
Asbestos "testing" usually refers to a surveyor taking samples samples of specific suspect materials that the client is concerned about. This is not a full survey of the building. You can still expect us to provide a short sampling report including photos and the laboratory certificate.
We understand that it can be frustrating if you have to get several surveys carried out during the life of your property. However, we will communicate with you and make our recommendations based on understanding your needs.