If you only require 1 or 2 instances of building material assessed please refer to the Material Assessments section.
The WHS Regulations Require requires all non residential properties in the ACT, constructed before 31 December 2003 to have an Asbestos Register compiled by a licensed Asbestos Assessor. Other states require the person with management or control of a workplace (PMCW) to establish if asbestos is present and if so, provide a safe management plan. These Asbestos Registers and Management Plans must be updated every 5 years or at intervals stated by the Assessor, or if the condition of the ACM deteriorates or changes.
Robsons undertakes several types of asbestos surveys – Non Intrusive, Intrusive, and Hazardous Materials (see below) and all include an Asbestos Register Management Plan and Risk Assessment. All surveys include wherever physically possible, laboratory asbestos identification of suspected asbestos material.
All surveys and laboratory sample analysis are National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited to provide you with the assurance that they are of the highest quality.
Types of Commercial Surveys
Surveys can just be for asbestos, or asbestos plus all legally defined hazardous materials: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Synthetic Mineral Fibre (SMF), Above/Underground Storage Tanks (A/UST) and lead paint. Please advise which you require when obtaining a quote. As our Assessors carry a significant amount of equipment parking is required on site for the duration of the survey.
Non-Intrusive
Non Intrusive surveys are used when you require general information on Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) present within the property. A Non Intrusive survey satisfies regulatory requirements in the ACT and other states. This survey only takes into account accessible areas i.e. those areas accessible without causing damage to the structure or where gaining access could be hazardous to the Assessor due to height, confined space or other hazards. ACM suspected of being in inaccessible areas are described.
Where a material is identified as possibly containing asbestos it will be photographed and a sample taken discreetly leaving the material in a safe condition. The report will document all areas surveyed and identify inaccessible areas. A Risk Assessment, laboratory asbestos identification report and an Asbestos Register will be compiled and safe management options given.
For Non Intrusive surveys the building may be occupied, however this may limit what we can do. If you are concerned, please contact us to discuss. Where possible, an electronic copy of the plans of areas to be surveyed should be provided prior to the survey. This will assist us in preparing plans showing the location of asbestos/hazardous materials.
Intrusive
Intrusive surveys are generally conducted prior to extensive renovations or demolition which could disturb possible ACM. Destructive techniques will be used by the Assessor to check for ACM in concealed areas where safe and possible to do so. This may include making holes in walls to check for asbestos containing pipe insulation etc. and removing tiles/coverings to check for ACM beneath.
If you are aware that hazardous areas (such as eaves above 1 storey or confined spaces) may need to be accessed please discuss this at the time of booking as in some instances safe access may be able to be arranged at extra cost.
A Risk Assessment, laboratory asbestos identification report and an Asbestos Register will be compiled and safe management options given. Please be aware that an Intrusive survey will likely cause extensive cosmetic damage, may compromise functionality of some items, and may leave areas unsafe for normal use. Additionally, an Intrusive survey can only be undertaken in unoccupied premises.
Unrestricted access to all areas of the building must be available. This survey requires all services to be professionally isolated prior to commencement. Where possible, an electronic copy of the plans of areas to be surveyed should be provided prior to the survey. This will assist us in preparing plans showing the location of asbestos/hazardous materials.
Robson Environmental offers a full suite of services and we are therefore ideally suited to helping with any next steps you want to take. We offer advice, project management, air monitoring and clearances for removal works. Other divisions of our company can assist with Occupational Hygiene matters or Environmental Assessment and Remediation. For example if we find an underground storage tank we have the expertise to assist you with its management or removal, or if you plan to demolish the building we can supply both a full hazardous materials report and a phase one site assessment, simplifying the process for you.
Pricing:
Prices vary based on location, complexity and age of the building.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements and to book a survey.