Asbestos survey requirements for Architects

Asbestos survey requirements for Architects

Architects and designers have a responsibility to ensure that asbestos is managed safely in any projects they work on. This includes being aware of the requirements for asbestos surveys and ensuring that the appropriate type of survey is carried out before any work begins.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) require that an asbestos survey be carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out on a building that was constructed before 2000. This is because asbestos was widely used in building materials up until the early 2000s, and it can pose a serious health risk if disturbed.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

• Asbestos management survey: This type of survey is used to identify all of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. It is typically carried out before any non-invasive refurbishment work is carried out.
• Asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey: This type of survey is more intrusive and is used to identify all of the ACMs in a building, regardless of their condition. It is typically carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work that is likely to disturb ACMs.

The type of asbestos survey required will depend on the specific project. For example, if a minor refurbishment is planned, an asbestos management survey may be sufficient. However, if a major refurbishment or demolition is planned, an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey will be required.

Architects and designers have a number of responsibilities in relation to asbestos surveys:

• They must ensure that an asbestos survey is carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work begins on a building that was constructed before 2000.
• They must provide the asbestos surveyor with all of the relevant information about the building, such as the construction date and any previous refurbishment work that has been carried out.
• They must ensure that the asbestos survey is carried out to the appropriate standard.
• They must review the asbestos survey report and take appropriate action to manage any ACMs that are identified. Such as asbestos removal or encapsulation works.

By following these requirements, architects and designers can help to ensure that asbestos is managed safely in all of their projects.

Here are some key steps to take:

1. Awareness and Training:

Architects and designers should be aware of the risks associated with asbestos and receive appropriate training to recognize asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and understand their potential hazards.

• Information from Clients:

Architects and designers should obtain information from their clients regarding the presence of asbestos in existing buildings. Clients are required to provide existing asbestos survey reports or information about ACMs on the project site.

• Pre-Refurbishment and Pre-Demolition Surveys:

Before starting any refurbishment or demolition project, architects and designers must ensure that a thorough asbestos survey has been conducted. This survey is known as a “pre-refurbishment” or “pre-demolition” asbestos survey and is more extensive than a standard asbestos management survey.

• Coordination with Surveyors:

Architects and designers should work closely with licensed asbestos surveyors to ensure that the survey is carried out comprehensively and that the surveyor has access to all relevant areas.

• Use of Survey Information:

Architects and designers should incorporate the findings of the asbestos survey into their design plans. They must specify precautions and design modifications to ensure the safety of workers and occupants when dealing with ACMs during construction or renovation.

• Health and Safety in Design:

Architects and designers should integrate health and safety considerations into their design process. This includes specifying safe work practices for handling ACMs, such as containment and removal procedures.

• Compliance with Regulations:

Architects and designers must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which outline specific requirements for managing asbestos in non-domestic properties. Compliance includes ensuring that contractors and clients are aware of their responsibilities under these regulations.

• Documentation and Records:

Maintain accurate records of asbestos-related information, including survey reports, design plans, and correspondence related to asbestos management. These records should be kept for future reference.

• Communication with Contractors:

Architects and designers should communicate clearly with contractors about the presence of ACMs, the survey findings, and any safety measures that need to be implemented during construction or demolition.

1. Review and Updates:

Continuously review and update design plans and specifications as new information about ACMs becomes available during the project’s lifecycle.

It’s important for architects and designers in the UK to stay updated with any changes in asbestos regulations and guidelines to ensure they are in compliance with the latest requirements for asbestos management and safety.

Complete Asbestos Surveys can take away the headache of all this, simply get in touch on each project and we can guide you through the processes and requirements for that property.

FAQ:

Q: What are the consequences of not conducting an asbestos survey before starting refurbishment or demolition work on a building constructed before 2000?

A: Failure to conduct an asbestos survey before commencing refurbishment or demolition work on a building constructed before 2000 can result in serious health risks for workers and occupants. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be disturbed during the construction process, leading to the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Additionally, non-compliance with asbestos regulations may lead to legal consequences and financial penalties.

Q: How can architects and designers ensure that they choose the correct type of asbestos survey for their specific project?

A: Architects and designers should assess the scope and nature of their project to determine the appropriate type of asbestos survey required. For minor refurbishment projects involving non-invasive work, an asbestos management survey may suffice. However, for more extensive projects involving major refurbishment or demolition work likely to disturb ACMs, an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey is necessary. It’s crucial to consult with licensed asbestos surveyors to ensure the correct survey type is selected based on the project’s requirements.

Q: What steps should architects and designers take if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified during an asbestos survey?

A: If ACMs are identified during an asbestos survey, architects and designers have several responsibilities. They must review the asbestos survey report and take appropriate action to manage the identified ACMs. This may involve arranging for asbestos removal or encapsulation works by licensed professionals. Additionally, architects and designers should incorporate the survey findings into their design plans, specifying precautions and design modifications to ensure the safety of workers and occupants during construction or renovation. Compliance with regulations and clear communication with contractors about safety measures are also essential steps in managing ACMs effectively.