Last edited 03 Apr 2020

Asbestos surveyor

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Asbestos surveys can be carried out by in-house personnel or by a third party. In each case, the surveyor must be competent to carry out the work required. This means that dutyholders should make reasonable enquiries as to whether the organisation or individual they appoint are technically competent to carry out the necessary works.

When selecting an asbestos surveyor to carry out a survey it is important the surveyor must be competent to carry out the work required.

To be competent, the ‘surveyor’ must:

Have sufficient training, qualifications, knowledge, experience and ability to carry out their duties in relation to the survey and to recognise their limitations.
Have sufficient knowledge of the specific tasks to be undertaken and the risks which the work will entail.
Be able to demonstrate independence, impartiality and integrity.
Have an adequate quality management system.
Carry out the survey in accordance with recommended guidance ( HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide).

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) strongly recommends the use of accredited or certificated surveyors for asbestos surveys.

The survey will usually involve sampling and analysis to determine the presence of asbestos so asbestos surveys should only be carried out by competent surveyors who are able to clearly demonstrate they have the necessary skills, experience and qualifications.