Who should you commission for your asbestos surveys?

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There are many companies that provide asbestos consultancy and asbestos surveys, sometimes at what initially appears to be at low cost. However, before commissioning an company to undertake such work it is important to ask yourself the following:

  • Are you confident that the company has the technical competence to undertake the asbestos survey?
  • Are you satisfied that the company has the resources to complete the asbestos survey?
  • Are the asbestos inspections carried out impartially and with integrity?
  • Are you confident that the company has an adequate quality system in place?
  • Are you satisfied that safeguards are in place, e.g. suitable liability insurance, in case difficulties arise?
How do I ensure that the organisation meets the above requirements?

Selecting an organisation accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) will ensure that you are appointing a competent surveying organisation that will understand and meet your requirements. UKAS accreditation to ISO 17020, the internationally recognised standard that sets out the requirements for organisations performing asbestos surveys.

UKAS accreditation process determines the technical competence and integrity of organisations providing inspection, testing, calibration and certification services.

UKAS is the sole national accreditation body, recognised by Government, to assess organisations against international standard. It provides an independent and authoritative declaration that the organisation carrying out the asbestos survey has the people, facilities, technical expertise, management systems and track record to undertake the activity professionally and competently.

“HSE strongly recommends that an accredited surveyor is used to carry out complex asbestos surveys” HSG227 available from HSE

What are the risks of using a non-accredited asbestos surveying company?
  • Inexperienced staff – competence is built on qualifications, knowledge and experience (P402 alone is not a demonstration of competence)
  • Insufficient resource leading to inadequate and incomplete surveys
  • possibility of missing asbestos products especially those that are not immediately obvious by sight alone
  • Unclear reports and inappropriate recommendations for remedial action
  • Lack of impartiality
  • No comeback (no formal complaints procedure, no higher authority)
  • Lack of due diligence/exposure to future claims
  • Possible insurance gaps
I need an asbestos survey – What do I do next?

See our Asbestos Surveys pages for further information on asbestos surveys and see which type of survey you require.

If you need an Asbestos Management Survey, Asbestos Refurbishment Survey or Asbestos Demolition Survey these pages give you more information on what they are and what to expect.

Once you know which survey you require, complete our online quote form and get an instant quote!

Alternatively you can contact us and one of our asbestos consultants will call you back!

Neil Munro

I work in a dual role at Acorn Analytical Services focused primarily on growing and leading the business from our Northampton office base. My focus is on overseeing all sales, marketing and financial activities from Northampton. I assist clients with high-level asbestos management strategies and training. Together with Ian Stone I host our weekly podcast – Asbestos Knowledge Empire and I'm Co-author of Asbestos The Dark Arts and Fear and Loathing of Health and Safety.

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