J W Doyes
Asbestos Surveys
Within J. W. Doye we have a dedicated Survey department that utilises the Multibase Survey software system. This system has enabled us to set up survey project work in an efficient and controlled manner and to record each survey project on a standard database system.
All our surveys follow HSE guidelines and conform to MDHS100 standards and are carried out by surveyors qualified to BIOH P402 certification.
The samples taken for each survey are analysed by a nominated independent UKAS accredited laboratory using polarised light microscopy in accordance with the requirements of HSE guidance note MDHS 77.
The Multibase survey system follows a number of standard processes which allow us to produce detailed and informative survey reports.
These include :-
Consistent presentation format conforming to MDHS100 guidelines
Asbestos registers detailing the location, nature, condition and extent of all asbestos containing materials identified and the location of all non-asbestos materials identified.
Material and risk assessments of all asbestos materials along with recommendations as to the future management of the asbestos materials identified along with re-inspection dates
Colour photographs of representative and asbestos containing materials.
Site diagrams / floor plans showing the locations of asbestos materials identified.
Summary reports by Area, by Floor, by Risk Band and by Asbestos Type as required.
Facility to input budget asbestos removal costs.
Facility to re-inspect items on due dates and to update and report on condition.
Facility to update asbestos items with any actions taken and record the history for each item to keep the Asbestos register up to date.
To convert each completed survey to PDF format, readable by Adobe Acrobat, to store in an efficient manner and enable easy transfer of files by E-mail or CD.
Survey Types
The objective of an Asbestos survey is to locate the presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) in a building and to assess their condition.
The results of the survey are then compiled into an Asbestos Register which includes both asbestos and non-asbestos items with a Material Risk assessment for each ACM and a recommendation of how to manage this material. The material assessment includes asbestos type, sizes, condition and accessibility of each item and incorporates relevant photographs.
There are 3 levels of Asbestos surveys, by far the most common is a
Type 2 survey which allows the surveyors to inspect material and take samples of any suspect material for analysis to confirm the presence or otherwise of asbestos.
Type 1 level of survey only allows a visual inspection and defers the need to take samples and analyse for asbestos. Any material that can reasonably be expected to contain asbestos will be presumed to contain asbestos until specific samples are taken at a later stage.
Type 3 level of survey is normally carried out in empty buildings due for major refurbishment or demolition. This level of survey allows for full access to all areas and may involve destructive inspection to gain access to concealed areas. A full sampling programme is carried out to identify all possible ACM’s.