Explaining Asbestos Surveys

1 Dec 2023

At OHSS Safety Consultants, we offer a range of occupational hygiene and asbestos awareness training services, and it's the latter that's the focus of this blog. Asbestos surveys represent an essential practice when there's a suspicion of the presence of the deadly material, and here we look at what's involved. 

What is an Asbestos Survey?

Essentially, an asbestos survey is the practice of sampling and analysing materials that are suspected of containing asbestos. As such, there are two types carried out:

1. A Management Asbestos Survey (MAS) - a survey to manage asbestos-containing materials during the normal occupation and use of premises.

2. A Refurbishment/demolition Asbestos Survey (RDAS) - required where a premises or section of it is refurbished or demolished.

Both types consist of building inspection, sampling of the suspected materials, laboratory analysis and the provision of a subsequent survey report.

Who Can Carry Out an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos regulations state that a survey of this kind must only be carried out by a competent person with sufficient training, experience and knowledge of the work that needs to be completed. This means they need to have:

• Surveyor Qualifications, e.g. BOHS P402, RSPH Award in Asbestos Surveying

• A comprehensive knowledge of appropriate Irish legislation

• Access to Lab equipment for analysis which performs satisfactorily in AIMS Scheme 

Additionally, lab analysts need to be qualified to BOHS P401 or RSPH Award in Asbestos Bulk Analysis, and control and quality assurance procedures should conform to globally-recognised asbestos analysis and inspection standards. 

The Ongoing Threat of Asbestos in Irish Buildings 

In the presence of asbestos, it's important that extreme caution is followed, as it only takes a single exposure to airborne fibres to result in mesothelioma - something that can lay dormant in the body for up to 40 years. If you suspect that you have the material in your premises, the best move is to call the experts. 

If you'd like to find out more about us and the assistance we can provide to anyone in this position, visit us today at www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, to speak directly to our expert team, call 01 6905907, and we'll be happy to assist.

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