ASBESTOS SURVEYS

CES has been providing asbestos surveys for commercial and private clients for over 25 years. Asbestos should be managed effectively to ensure it does not pose a hazard to the occupiers, general public and any workers who may come into contact with it. Asbestos surveys provide the basis for the development and implementation of a property asbestos management plan. Our survey and sample data is recorded in real time at the time of the survey using AlphaTracker Asbestos Survey Software on portable electronic devices. Being cloud based AlphaTracker also enables clients direct access to their reports through a client logon. The client is able to view and download analytical and survey reports at their convenience. A worthwhile survey takes time! Our surveys follow methodology's based upon the HSE264 Asbestos The Survey Guide 2012 and the New Zealand Work Safe Guidelines - Conducting Asbestos Surveys - October 2016.

Asbestos Management Surveys

These are used to record and document visible and accessible asbestos containing materials (ACM's) within a property. Minimal intrusive sampling is conducted, however in most cases there is no destructive intrusion carried out. Management surveys are ideal for establishing an initial asbestos register which can be used to formulate an asbestos management plan, material assessment and priority assessment. They are appropriate when no refurbishment or demolition is likely to be carried out in the foreseeable future. 

The survey standard uses a Materials Assessment Algorithm to aid in assessing the risk of fibre release and to health presented by the asbestos materials identified in the survey at the time of sampling/surveying.

We have experienced Environmental Technicians and Asbestos Analysts who are competent in Asbestos Surveying and Reporting. Our surveyors hold BOHS P402 or IP402 training and qualification. 

The asbestos survey process includes:

♦ Survey planning, initial site visit and scope. This process is important and should always be completed. 

♦ A physical inspection and assessment of the site, buildings and/or surrounding areas of concern as specified by the client.

♦ Small samples of material, dust wipes and/or soil samples are taken to determine if they contain asbestos and if any, what types through analysis.

♦ A written report that details the condition of the materials found and lists remedial recommendations.

♦ An asbestos register listing all asbestos containing materials (ACM's) for the area surveyed.

It is important to recognise that each survey has its own scope and the number of samples and time required varies depending on the building and what is actually found while conducting the survey. Need a cost estimate? Please complete the request for survey form and e-mail us with details of your requirements.

Asbestos Demolition and Refurbishment Surveys

These are undertaken prior to refurbishment or demolition works on buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000, and aim to identify asbestos materials that are likely to be disturbed and exposed should refurbishment or demolition works commence. They include intrusive or destructive actions into hidden cavities and voids and should only be completed in unoccupied areas. A non-intrusive management survey may not be sufficient for a property in cases where significant works are likely to be carried out.   

Limited scope surveys are designed to maintain efficiencies and keep costs to a minimum. We can work alongside your contractors to survey only the specific areas where refurbishment or demolition works are planned and produce a survey report including marked-up plans identifying the scope and specification of any items for removal.

A good example of limited scope is a flooring survey, when replacing carpets and vinyls its a good idea to have refurbishment survey for the flooring. (Regulation 26 - Duty to identify and remove asbestos before refurbishment of home).  They will help to identify asbestos present to the floors where work is planned and allow all involved to carry out refurbishment work safely following suitable remediation which may include encapsulation or removal, or nothing at all if the flooring tested is found to be asbestos free.

Pre-purchase Inspection Surveys - Residential & Commercial

CES provides presumptive, non-intrusive (non-sampling) pre-purchase asbestos inspections to clients considering the purchase of a property. Competent and qualified asbestos surveyors (BOHS P402, P405) will conduct an investigation and provide a report that will draw attention to possible Asbestos Containing Materials in the property, based on their expert knowledge. 

Asbestos Contamination Surveys

Land and properties contaminated with asbestos is becoming more of an issue for existing sites and new developments on historical sites. We aim to work with clients at the outset of a project to establish an effective and practical strategy for investigating sites that could potentially be contaminated with asbestos.

A systematic grid-based or a risk based inspection approach maybe adopted  depending on the site, and results obtained identify areas where asbestos is present in surface soils. Additional site investigation techniques such as the use of diggers, augers to create boreholes, trial pits, trenches can also be incorporated to identify the location and extent of asbestos contamination in the ground. However care to ensure cross contamination does not occur may restrict sampling techniques.

Air monitoring may be conducted during or after the survey depending on the site conditions and the risk of exposure. 

Further information regarding our contaminated land survey services is also available here. Please contact us for further information or if you have concerns and queries regarding potential sites. 

CES Surveyors are Competent Asbestos Surveyors

CES is an IANZ Accredited Laboratory to IANZ 17025 (Certificate available).

Understanding of ACMS: In addition to carrying out surveys, sampling on sites and internal training, CES analysts handle ACM’s in the laboratory daily, this handling developes a core understanding of ACM’s, their use and how to handle them safely. We definitely understand the risks associated with ACM's.

Relevant Asbestos Qualifications: Our Surveyors are BOHS P402 or IP402 trained and qualified Asebstos Surveyors with experience conducting surveys to assure competency. Staff profiles summarise specific asbestos training undertaken by CES personal. Many surveyors have little analytical skills or training, in our experience the training and skills received within the laboratory environment further enhance the skills and competency of surveyors.

Copies of CES Health and Safety Manual, Hazard and Risk Register and Job Safety Analysis documentation is available for viewing at all times at the Laboratory.