What is an asbestos survey?
Visual identification is not enough to determine the presence or absence of asbestos fibers in building materials. Only an Asbestos Survey or Asbestos Screening, which involves a sampling and laboratory analysis of the materials, can accurately identify and quantify asbestos fibers in building materials. Building purchasers and owners should be aware whether their building has ACM so that they can be safely managed or removed. If asbestos containing building materials are in good condition and the asbestos is “sealed,” it can usually be safely managed in place through an Operations & Maintenance Plan.
The main reason you need an Asbestos Survey is to protect any person, especially workmen, from accidentally exposing themselves and others to asbestos fibres. If your building was constructed or altered prior to 2000, your building may contain one or more of some 3000 products manufactured that contain asbestos and therefore you will need a survey.
An asbestos survey is what is carried out in order to produce an asbestos register. There are two different types. A management survey is to get an idea of any risk and make a plan to manage any areas containing asbestos. The second is a pre demolition survey which will identify any asbestos that will need to be specially removed from the building before work can be completed
