FAS are able to conduct type 1, type 2 and type 3 surveys in accordance with MDHS 100. Reports can be either paper or electronic and can be held on an intranet or secure web site. Confirmed asbestos containing materials must to be inspected for evidence of deterioration as part of an ongoing asbestos management plan. Our re-inspection services include updating surveys that are not to the standard of MDHS 100.
Presumptive (Location and Assessment). The purpose of the survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in the building and assess their condition. This survey essentially defers the need to sample and analyse for asbestos (or the absence there of) until a later time (e.g. prior to demolition or major refurbishment). The duty holder bears potential additional costs of management for some non-asbestos-containing materials. All areas will be accessed and inspected as far as reasonably practicable (e.g. above false ceilings and inside risers, service ducts etc.) or must be presumed to contain asbestos. Any material, which can reasonably be expected to contain asbestos, must be presumed to contain asbestos, and where it appears highly likely to contain asbestos, there should be a strong presumption that it does. All materials, which are presumed to contain asbestos, will be assessed.
Sampling survey (Standard sampling, identification and assessment). The purpose and procedures used in this survey are the same as for Type 1, except that representative samples are collected and analysed for the presence of asbestos. If the material sampled is found to contain asbestos, other similar homogeneous materials used in the same way in the building can be strongly presumed to contain asbestos. Less homogeneous materials may require a greater number of samples.
Pre-demolition/major refurbishment (Full access sampling and identification survey). This type of survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the building and may involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.
A full sampling programme is undertaken to identify possible ACMs. This survey is designed to be used as a basis for tendering the removal of ACMs from the building prior to demolition or major refurbishment, so the survey does not access the condition of the asbestos.
The new duty to manage under CAWR will require a written plan to be produced, specifying the measures to be taken to control and manage the risk from identified and presumed ACMs. An important stage of this process is to access the potential fibre release from each ACM found.
For Type 1 and Type 2 surveys (not required for a Type 3) the potential for fibre release will be calculated using the material assessment algorithm set out in MDHS 100. The four main parameters, which will determine the amount of fibre release from an ACM when subject to a standard disturbance, are product type, extent of damage, surface treatment and asbestos type
Each parameter is scored and is added together to give a total score of between 2 and 12. Materials with assessment scores of 10 or more are regarded as having a high potential to release fibres, if disturbed. Scores of between 7 and 9 are regarded as having a medium potential, and between 5 and 6 a low potential. Scores of 4 or less have a very low potential to release fibres.