Asbestos surveys are conducted to assess the location, type, condition, and risk of asbestos containing materials (ACMs). The information is then presented in a report that details the site location, methodology adopted, control measures, risk priority ranking, and recommendations. The three types of asbestos surveys that are offered by competent persons are:
- Type 1 – Location and assessment surveys
- Type 2 – Location and assessment surveys (sampling asbestos surveys)
- Type 3 – Full access sampling and identification surveys (pre demolition/major refurbishment asbestos surveys)
Type 1 Asbestos Survey
This type of survey is also known as presumptive asbestos survey, because it assumes that asbestos is present without doing any type of sampling to verify this. It is also the cheapest type of asbestos survey, since no sampling costs are factored into the final cost. In addition to this, no samples are removed, thus less damage to suspect areas is guaranteed. The absence of asbestos testing increases the need to remove large amounts of material that may not necessarily have asbestos.
However, this type of survey can add considerable cost to the on-going management of the complex as all suspect materials must be treated as containing asbestos. The on-going costs far outweigh any possible savings with this type of survey.
Type 2 Asbestos Survey
The Type 2 asbestos Survey is also known as the sampling asbestos survey, because samples are collected from the location to test the presence of asbestos. If asbestos is present in the material, then the type and location will be documented in an asbestos register. No tests are performed on inaccessible areas at the location as this is a non destructive survey. Areas that do not have asbestos can be worked on instead of treated as contaminated with its fibres.
Type 3 Asbestos Survey
This type of asbestos survey is performed in buildings that are not occupied. It is a very detailed survey that assesses both the occupied and inaccessible areas in a building. Depending on the state, a Type 3 asbestos survey must be conducted prior to any demolition work. It may also be necessary for renovation if demolition of asbestos areas is necessary. An asbestos report and the risks associated with the location, condition, and type of asbestos present at the location is also prepared.
Professional asbestos surveys conducted by Quality Building Management are the most comprehensive and include the following:
Asbestos Audit Process
To ensure the highest standard of quality, the asbestos assessment will be performed in accordance with AS/NZS 9001:2000, a quality control standard, as well as international standards for environmental protection and health safety. The asbestos audit is a four-step procedure:
1. Inspection Process
The asbestos survey will be undertaken by trained, experienced and qualified personnel. All areas of the site will be inspected in detail. Each floor will be separately assessed. Photographic illustration and a detailed description of suspected asbestos materials will be supplied.
2. Analysis of Suspect Materials
Samples of all suspected asbestos-containing materials will be taken to prove the presence of asbestos. Samples will be analyzed in a NATA-accredited laboratory by polarizing light microscopy in conjunction with dispersion staining.
3. Result Interpretation
Qualified and experienced professionals, in accordance with the quality management system, will interpret the survey and sample results. This process will include hazard identification, recommendations to eliminate or reduce safety hazard, and a complete management service for asbestos removal, upon your request.
4. Asbestos Materials Report and Register (AMRR)
A complete Asbestos Materials Report and Register will be prepared containing detailed information on the building, the location of any asbestos-containing materials, condition assessments, health and safety ratings, detailed recommendations on actions and methods of containment and/or removal, and a Clearance Report certifying that the building is free of asbestos.
5. Asbestos Management Plan
If asbestos is identified on site, an Asbestos Management Plan can be developed by Quality Building Management to control the asbestos on site until such time as it is removed.
A person with management or control of a workplace must ensure a written asbestos management plan is prepared for the workplace if asbestos or ACM has been identified or assumed present, or is likely to be present from time to time at the workplace.
The asbestos management plan must be maintained to ensure the information is up-to-date.
