HSG 264 and Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys – A Brief Overview

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys have been carried out as ‘Type 3’ surveys since the introduction of MDHS 100 in July 2001. This document provided advice and methodology for surveyors engaged in all asbestos survey types. However, the guidance for Type 3 Surveys was nominal which inevitably led to varying degrees of inspection procedures by the surveying companies.

The Health & Safety Executive have now issued Asbestos: The Survey Guide (HSG264) which was published on January 29th January 2010. The new guidance is specifically aimed at surveyors who carry out asbestos surveys and those who commission the surveys. (Client / Duty Holders)

The client / duty holder has been given more guidance in the selection of the inspection body/surveyor and their own responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 reinforced.

Greater emphasis has been placed on ‘pre-survey communication between the surveyor and the client. The scope and area of the survey must be established and fully understood by both parties prior to commencement of survey procedures. Imposed restrictions from either party must be agreed and documented and caveats should only be included within the report where absolutely necessary and should be fully justified.

It is recognised that the contracted surveyors experience is a vital element in obtaining a successful survey. The surveyor must be more than ‘P402 qualified’ and is required to show sufficient expertise and relevant practical experience. To achieve this standard the HSE strongly recommend the use of accredited inspection bodies or certified surveyors. (UKAS Accreditation ISO 17020 or ISO 17024 respectively)

Refurbishment and Demolition surveys are intended for all work that is liable to disturb the fabric of the building. Their intention is to locate all the asbestos materials within building (or area surveyed) as far as reasonably practicable. It is a ‘fully intrusive’ survey and will involve aggressive inspection techniques to gain access to all specified areas including penetration to the fabric of the building. Dependant on the scope of works the surveyor may need specialist equipment or assistance and additional advice may have to be sought from a competent person e.g. Structural Engineer, where brickwork is to be removed or Licensed Asbestos Removal contractor where an asbestos material must be removed to enable access.

Refurbishment / Demolition surveys should only be conducted in unoccupied areas, ideally the building / structure should be vacant and all furnishings removed. For minor survey works this would apply to the room or area to be surveyed only.

Non-accessed areas must be clearly defined within the report to allow the demolition / refurbishment process to be progressive in these areas. It is widely recognised that even with complete access to the area surveyed all asbestos containing materials may not be identified, and will only become apparent during the demolition process.

The survey must be carried out in a structured and methodical manner and the final report should be ‘fit for purpose’ comprehensible to, and useable by the client.

Article supplied by Angela Chouaib– Spectra Analysis Ltd – one of the UK’s leading UKAS accredited Asbestos Consultancies