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New HSE Guide to Asbestos Surveying

The New HSE Guide Asbestos The Survey Guide (HSG264) gives some clear and simple guidance on checking the competence of the asbestos surveyor.

It has to be said that when employing a non-UKAS Accredited company, things become a lot more long winded as a lot, if not all the different criteria should all be checked by the company as part of their internal procedures.

When employing an analyst the Dutyholder should be satisfied that they are competent to do the work required. This doesn't just mean that they can carry out asbestos surveys but should also have the appropriate training to access high level areas, confined spaces etc. This should then be followed by an assessment of the individual or company's experience and track record to establish whether or not it is capable of doing the work and recognise its limitations.



The process to go through is as follows:

Stage 1

Request accreditations of the company of the surveyor.

The recognised company accreditation is UKAS. However, ensure that the accreditation is inspection accreditation for asbestos. The individual accreditation available at present is ABICS. The process of the UKAS Accreditation shows that the company has been able to display Independence, Impartiality and Integrity and that the personnel carrying out the survey should be adequately trained.

Just having the P402 qualification does not make the individual a qualified surveyor.

Finally ask for all insurances. Some companies and individuals are not insured for the major refurbishment or demolition surveys.



Stage 2

Gather information on experience of the surveyors experience for the type of work planned. References should be requested.

The company and or individual should therefore be able to show that it has sufficient experience in surveying the different types of property and constructions out there. For example there are not many companies familiar with surveying ships - those that aren't would be expected to notify you if they have limited experience.

HSG 246 - 'Where the above cannot be gathered through current accreditation or personnel certification the Dutyholder will need to carry out a more detailed assessment of their competence to do the work.'

You will need to ask for qualifications, experience, copies of written procedures and references.



It is clear that the UKAS Accreditation provides the majority of answers and assurances for finding a competent surveyor. However, make sure that you still ask the questions and plan the survey correctly with the company. All of this will go part of the way to making sure that you get a survey of all the areas of the premises you want and they find the asbestos within the remit.



If you are a UKAS Accredited Asbestos Inspection Firm and would like to join the scheme, contact us here or call 0870 199 4044

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