Asbestos Sampling & Testing

Before carrying out any work involving the potential disturbance of asbestos, employers should assess the area of the building likely to be disturbed for the presence of asbestos.

Regulation 4 Duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises

This should include assessing relevant information, such as that contained in pre-construction phase plans or provided by the duty holders responsible for the maintenance and repair of the premises (e.g., asbestos surveys or registers). If no records are available, or there are doubts about their accuracy/relevance, employers may need to arrange a survey and analysis of representative samples to determine the presence, type and condition of asbestos.

Management survey

The Management Survey purpose is required to manage ACM during the normal occupation and use of premises.  The duty-holder can make a Management Survey where the premises are simple and straightforward.  Otherwise, a surveyor is needed.

A Management Survey aims to ensure that:

1. nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of ACM in the premises or equipment
2. that the ACM remain in good condition
3. that nobody disturbs it accidentally

The Survey must locate ACM that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance, or by installing new equipment.  It involves minor intrusion and minor asbestos disturbance to make a Materials Assessment.  This shows the ability of ACM, if disturbed, to release fibres into the air.  It guides the client, eg in prioritising any remedial work.

Refurbishment / demolition survey

The Refurbishment / demolition Survey is required where the premises, or part of it, needs upgrading, refurbished or demolished.  The Survey does not need a record of the ACM condition.  Normally, a surveyor is needed for Refurbishment / demolition Surveys.

A Refurbishment / demolition Survey aims to ensure that:

1. nobody will be harmed by work on ACM in the premises or equipment
2. such work will be done by the right contractor in the right way

The Survey must locate and identify all ACM before any structural work begins at a stated location or on stated equipment at the premises.  It involves destructive inspection and asbestos disturbance.  The area surveyed must be vacated, and certified ‘fit for reoccupation’ after the survey.

Sample analysis and reporting 

Analysis of the samples collected should be carried out and reported in accordance with the Analyst contractors guide.

The laboratory report should for each sample give a clear statement of whether asbestos was found, and the types of asbestos identified. Laboratory results should be appended. Materials which have been sampled and found not to contain asbestos after analysis also need recording as asbestos not detected, as the asbestos content of these materials may be questioned in future, and it will save a great deal of time and cost if this has been clearly recorded.