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