Asbestos Surveys

MDHS100 Compliant Asbestos Surveys
The type of survey required will depend on the individual circumstances of the client and RPS will assist the client in making the right choice.

It is possible that a mix of survey types will be necessary. Therefore it is vital that the Duty Holder and Surveyor know exactly what type of survey is to be conducted.

For example, an office block due for refurbishment on one floor will require a Type 3 pre-demolition survey of that floor, while other floors may only need a Type 1 or 2 survey.

Definitions of Survey Types:

Type 1 Survey: Location and assessment survey (Presumptive Survey)
The purpose of a Type 1 survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practical; any suspected ACMs in the building and assess the risk. This survey visually locates the presence, nature and extent of the asbestos in the building. No samples are taken to verify the status of the asbestos. Suspicious materials are either presumed or strongly presumed to be asbestos containing. All areas must be accessed and inspected (including; above false ceilings and inside risers, service ducts, lift shafts etc.) or they will be presumed to contain asbestos.

Type 2 Survey: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey (Sampling Survey)
The purpose and procedures used in this survey are the same as the Type 1 survey. With the Type 2 survey, however, representative samples are collected and analysed by a UKAS Accredited Laboratory for the presence of asbestos. If the material sampled is found to contain asbestos, other similar homogeneous materials used in the same way in the building can also be strongly presumed to contain asbestos. Less homogeneous materials may require a greater number of samples to be taken.

Type 3 Survey: Full access sampling and identification survey (Pre-demolition / Major Refurbishment Surveys)
A Type 3 survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practical, all ACMs in the building and involving, if necessary, destruction inspection to gain access to all areas, however difficult to reach. During this survey, potential ACMs will be identified and an estimate made of their volume and surface area. This survey is designed to be used as a basis for tendering the removal of ACMs from the building prior to demolition or major refurbishment. A Type 3 survey does not assess the condition of the asbestos other than to note areas of damage or where additional asbestos debris could possibly be found.

Read more about our Type 3 surveys.