Type 3 Asbestos surveys have been designed to identify asbestos materials when a commercial building is to be demolished or when a major redevelopment is proposed. It is essential that this type of survey is conducted before work begins. The failure to do so can be problematic in many ways: Delay in project time If you start refurbishment or demolition work without having a MDHS100 Type 3 compliant Asbestos Survey conducted and subsequently uncover asbestos containing materials you will invariably have to cease works. You will then need to conduct an assessment of how the asbestos is to be safely removed and employ an asbestos removal contractor in most cases to deal with it. This will incur stand-down time with the main contractors and delay the project whilst the asbestos is removed.

In the case of licensable asbestos products such as insulation board or sprayed coating, you will also need to wait 14 days for notification to the HSE.

Additional costs
Having not identified the presence of asbestos materials you may have not put a contingency in place to pay for their removal. Such work can be very costly and have a serious impact on your budget.

Claims and prosecutions
If the main contractors employees are exposed to asbestos you run the risk of having claims made against you for incidental exposure. The HSE may also investigate you for negligence and if the case goes to court, you may face a heavy fine or even a custodial sentence. What is a MDHS100 Type 3 Asbestos Survey?

MDHS100 are the published guidelines by the HSC to assist in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.

The Type 3 Asbestos Survey principal is to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM's) in a building. The task may involve destructive inspection, as required, to gain access to all areas including those that are difficult to reach.

A full sampling programme is undertaken to identify possible ACM's and produce estimates of the volume and surface area of ACM's together with an assessment of the likely timeframe and cost involved for the safe removal.

These surveys should be undertaken by experienced and qualified surveyors and companies complying to ISO 17020, (typically registered with UKAS) who hold sufficient liability insurance.

Find out more about asbestos surveys and asbestos consultancy services from RPS by calling 08000 85 83 84.

For more information please contact:
RPS London (Park Street) - HSED
T: +44 (0) 20 7928 0999