Asbestos Surveying in New Zealand

Asbestos surveys are carried out to determine the location and extent of asbestos-containing materials on site. Risk and material assessments are also included in the surveys and an asbestos management plan can be compiled to effectively manage the ACMs.

Unfortunately, due to the large number of un-regulated and un-accredited companies operating these services, asbestos surveys can be poorly conducted, this can result in massive costs or potentially fatal risk to health and safety down the track. That’s why it is important to get the experts in and Intertek’s highly trained team of internationally qualified asbestos surveyors will provide you with a comprehensive Management, Refurbishment or Demolition survey tailored to suit your needs and requirements.

Depending on the type of survey, the depth and intrusiveness varies.

• Management surveys are mainly non-intrusive and are used to locate and assess the condition of any asbestos-containing materials which can be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy.
• Refurbishment and demolition surveys are intrusive and are used to locate all asbestos-containing materials on site.

After completion of the surveys, a management plan can be compiled to assist in safely managing the asbestos-containing materials. Effective management will reduce the risk of asbestos inhalation to the buildings occupants, general public and any workers who come into contact with it.

Asbestos Management Surveys

Asbestos management surveys are the most common type of survey performed. Its purpose is to locate and asses the condition of any asbestos-containing materials which can be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy and during foreseeable maintenance work. Management surveys may involve some minor intrusive work, however disruption to your activities will be kept to a minimum where possible. Management surveys are ideal for establishing an initial asbestos register which can be used to create a management plan or action plan.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment and demolition surveys are intended to locate all the asbestos in the building (or the relevant area), as far as reasonably possible. It is a disruptive and fully intrusive survey which will need to penetrate all parts of the building structure. Under the new Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2015, all non domestic buildings require a refurbishment and demolition survey performed before any refurbishment and demolition work can start.

Management Plans

After a management survey has been carried out and upon completion of the register, an asbestos management plan may be compiled. The purpose of the management plan is to provide a guide, so any asbestos present can be managed effectively and safely, to protect the occupants, the general public and any workers who may come into contact with it. Management plans are tailored specifically to your requirements and may contain but are not limited to:;

• Information about compliance with legislative requirements
• Identification and location of asbestos-containing materials hazards on site
• Risk matrix for asbestos-containing materials located
• Guidance and recommended control measures
• Management and monitoring requirements