2009-05-31T20:06:26-07:00 15886 11176 14738 1 2009-05-31T20:06:26-07:00 2009-05-31T20:06:27-07:00 <p>With research showing the deadly diseases associated with asbestos exposure, a number of laws have been passed over the years to ensure the safety of people in the community. One of the most significant pieces of law is Regulation 4, which relates to people's duty to manage asbestos.<br><br>Regulation 4 applies mainly to non-domestic properties. It placed responsibility on the "duty holder" to take all necessary steps to manage, identify and monitor asbestos in their premises.<br><br>The term "duty holder" is outlined in the Approved Code of Practice 127. The definition includes the self-employed and employers if it is their responsibility to maintain a non-domestic property. To simplify, the code states that if you control the maintenance of a non-domestic building then you're the "duty holder".<br><br>This is where asbestos surveys enter the scene. The "duty holder" is required by the code to do inspections in relation to asbestos. Most hire a specialist to perform this task. The results of these inspections must be recorded and maintained for the life of the premises. Any contractors on your premises have the right to view this register for their own safety.<br><br>A guidance note called MDHS 100 Surveying Sampling &amp; Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials outlines the surveys that can be done. These include:-<br><br>Location and assessment survey<br><br>This survey aims to find suspect asbestos products on the premises and assess them. It is a presumptive survey.<br><br>Standard sampling<br><br>This survey is for assessing and identifying the suspect asbestos products. That is, it builds on the location &amp; assessment survey by taking samples of suspect products and analysing them. If it's a small job this test can be performed on site, but in a lot of cases samples need to be sent away.<br><br>Full access and identification survey<br><br>This survey is conducted before a refurbishment or demolition occurs. Its purpose is to locate and study all the products that contain asbestos in a property. To work out how much of a building contains asbestos material a full program of sampling is undertaken. Usually this survey takes place to work out whether a building needs to be demolished or whether a refurbishment will suffice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information on asbestos and removing asbestos from your property visit <a target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.removing-asbestos.com/asbestos-surveys/what-you-need-to-know-about-asbestos-surveys/" href="http://www.removing-asbestos.com/asbestos-surveys/what-you-need-to-know-about-asbestos-surveys/">removing-asbestos.com</a>. <br></p><p><br></p> 31781 11176 1 15886 1 2009-05-31T20:07:28-07:00