There’s no legal requirement for an asbestos surveyor to be accredited. HSE strongly recommends using one who is, and says the samples must go to an accredited laboratory. So who you book matters more than how quickly they can come. These six questions cover what HSE guidance expects from a survey provider.
1. Are they accredited, and does the number check out?
Survey companies can be accredited to BS EN ISO/IEC 17020. Ask for the accreditation number and look the company up on the UKAS website, where accredited survey companies are listed as Inspection Bodies. UKAS is the only accreditation body HSE recognises in Great Britain.
2. Which laboratory will analyse the samples?
The lab should be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. UKAS lists these as Testing laboratories. HSE says anyone commissioning analysis must make sure of this.
3. What qualification does the person visiting hold?
If the company isn’t accredited, HSE says to make reasonable enquiries: the surveyor’s qualifications, their written procedures and recent similar work. An asbestos surveying qualification such as the BOHS P402 is a good sign. Ask to see the certificate.
4. Is the scope agreed in writing first?
The survey type and the areas covered should be agreed before the visit: which rooms, roof spaces and plant areas are in, and what’s left out.
5. Are they independent of whoever would remove it?
HSE asks for independence and impartiality. If there’s a link to a removal contractor, they should tell you plainly.
6. Will the report follow HSG264?
A good report gives each material a score, and lists every area the inspector couldn’t get into, with the reason.
Anything you can’t tick is a question to ask before you agree a date. Use the list on us too: we’ll answer all six on the phone.
Not sure which inspection fits your building? Call 020 3386 1854 and you’ll get a fixed quote in writing before anyone visits.
