Asbestos Survey Types

Type 1 Asbestos Survey: Location and Assessment Survey (Presumptive Survey)

The purpose of a Type 1 asbestos survey is to locate, as far as is reasonably practicable, any suspect asbestos-containing material (ACM) in the building and assess the risk. Sampling of materials is NOT undertaken.

Type 1 asbestos surveys are most commonly used in areas of difficult access such as high ceilings, small ducts, etc. in tandem with a Type 2 asbestos survey.

Type 2 Asbestos Survey: Standard Sampling, Identification and Assessment Survey

Type 2 asbestos surveys are the most cost-effective method of ensuring compliance with Regulation 4 (The Duty to Manage) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. Following a full survey of the building, representative samples of suspect materials are collected and analysed for the possible presence of asbestos. The resulting information is then used as the basis for the client's asbestos management plan.

It is a legal requirement for all non-residential properties to have an asbestos management plan in place in order to protect the health of workers undertaking maintenance on the property.

Type 3 Asbestos Survey: Full Access, Sampling and Identification Survey (Pre-demolition/major Refurbishment Survey)

As part of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2007, (CDM Regulations), Type 3 asbestos surveys are required prior to major refurbishment or demolition work. Type 3 asbestos surveys may involve destructive inspection in order to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.

The aim of a Type 3 asbestos survey is to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) in the building. Asbestos materials may then be removed prior to other works beginning or the design amended accordingly to ensure no asbestos is disturbed. This protects the health of builders and demolition workers working on your site.