Emphasis on ensuring asbestos surveyors are qualified for the job

Asbestos surveys are only effective
if competent surveyors are
employed to do them. That is one
of the key messages being promoted in
new guidance devised for those
responsible for managing the risks from
asbestos.

‘Asbestos: The survey guide’ (Ref:
HSG264) which was published by the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for
2010 is aimed at those who commission
asbestos surveys, the surveyors who carry
them out and those who use them such as
architects and demolition or removal
contractors.

The new guide stipulates that clients
and duty holders only engage a surveying
organisation that is competent. This can
be demonstrated either through the
organisation being accredited and/or
individual surveyors having their own
certification.

The guide strongly recommends the
use of UKAS accredited or ABICS
certified surveyors for asbestos surveys
“Ensuring that contractors are competent
to do asbestos surveys should be a top
priority for those responsible for managing
the risks from asbestos,” explains Dr
Martin Gibson, author of the guide and a
Principal Specialist Inspector for HSE:
“Those organisations or individuals
without accreditation and/or certification
will find it more difficult to demonstrate
that they are competent, so by employing
a contractor with accreditation and/or
certification, dutyholders can better meet
their legal requirements.”
Adds Martin Stear, Chair of the ABICS
certification scheme:
“ABICS certification is a new scheme
which certifies individuals, and has been
introduced to expand the options for
demonstrating competency. Clients
engaging certificated surveyors can be
assured that surveys will be undertaken by
competent people”.

Rob Bettinson of UKAS explains:
“UKAS accreditation for surveying
companies is a well established scheme.

Accredited organisations can demonstrate
that not only do they have competent
surveyors but they are also working
within a well defined management system
that provides confidence in the surveying
procedures that are used. Clients can have
confidence that accredited surveyors will
provide a quality service.”
“Asbestos, the survey guide” (HSG264)
can be purchased from HSE books (ISBN
9780717663859) for £10.95 or
downloaded for free at
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg2