Asbestos survey is a clear process that progresses from the order to the delivery of the report in a few days. In this article, we go through the survey process step by step.
Step 1: Order
A survey starts with an order. You can order an asbestos survey online by filling out the order form or by calling us. When ordering, you state the site's address, the year of construction and the extent of the planned renovation. On that basis we agree a date for the survey.
Step 2: Getting to know the site
Before the actual survey visit, the expert familiarizes himself with the information of the site. He finds out the year of construction, previous renovations and the materials that have probably been used in the site. This helps align the survey to the right materials.
Step 3: the survey visit
During the survey visit, the expert comes to the site and performs the following measures:
- Visual inspection - structures and materials are reviewed systematically
- Identification of materials - an expert identifies materials in which asbestos may be present
- Sampling - small samples of suspected materials are taken for laboratory analysis
- Documentation - the locations of the samples and material descriptions are accurately documented
Depending on the size of the property, the survey visit takes from 15 minutes to a few hours. Surveying the bathroom of a small flat is quick; surveying a whole detached house takes longer.
Step 4: Laboratory analysis
The samples are sent for laboratory analysis, where they are examined with a JEOL SEM-EDS electron microscope in accordance with the ISO 22262-1 standard. The analysis reliably identifies all types of asbestos and their concentrations in the sample.
Laboratory results are usually ready on the same day when the samples arrive at the laboratory.
Step 5: the survey report
The survey report is usually delivered by e-mail within 1 business day from the survey visit. The report includes:
- A general description of the property
- Examined materials and their locations
- Laboratory results for each sample
- Conclusions - where asbestos was found and where it was not
- Recommendations for further measures
What after the report?
If asbestos is found, the report details the exact locations and recommendations. Asbestos-containing materials must be dismantled by an authorized asbestos removal company before renovation. If no asbestos is found, the renovation can start normally.