What is Bulk Asbestos Sampling?
Usually part of an asbestos survey, bulk asbestos sampling is the process of testing a bulk sample of suspected asbestos-containing material (ACM) for the presence, type and condition of the asbestos fibres. This happens after it has been detected and extracted (in line with the HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide) during one of our surveys, then sent to an independent UKAS accredited laboratory for microscopic testing.
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Where is Bulk Asbestos Sampling Needed?
As an ARCA and ACAD accredited asbestos survey company, we pride ourselves on always adhering to the latest HSE regulations. For instance, the HSE outlines that it is the dutyholder’s responsibility to address the risk of asbestos exposure within their premises.
Here at Pillars Environmental, we understand that remaining fully compliant as a dutyholder is complex. That’s why we offer bulk asbestos sampling as part of our range of asbestos survey packages, including Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys and Asbestos Management Surveys, tailored to your individual site requirements.
As well as domestic and commercial buildings, we also offer a comprehensive range of asbestos management services for public sector buildings and industrial buildings.
Types of Public Sector Buildings We Survey:
| Museums | Shops | Restaurants | Cafes |
| Libraries | Care Homes | Schools | Hospitals |
Types of Industrial Buildings We Survey:
| Factories | Warehouses |
“Asbestos can be found in any industrial or residential building built or refurbished before the year 2000.”
– HSE
What Happens if Asbestos is Found within the Samples?
If ACMs are detected within your premises during one of our asbestos surveys, and the presence of asbestos is confirmed after the laboratory testing, the crucial next step is our safe and effective Asbestos Removal Management service.
If the type of ACM found within the samples is safe to be left in situ, the service you will require to remain compliant is regular Asbestos Re-Inspections.
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Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Asbestos can be found in several of the common materials used in the construction industry, which many unknowingly come into contact with while working across the field:
- Asbestos insulating board (AIB)
- Asbestos cement products (roof tiles, pipes, etc.)
- Floor coverings (vinyl, tiles, asbestos in bitumen, composite floors, etc.)
- Textured decorative coatings (e.g. AIB ceiling panels)
- Asbestos textiles and gaskets (rope packing, rope seals, electrical switches, etc.)
- Thermal insulation (pipe and boiler lagging)
- Sprayed asbestos coatings (e.g. ceilings)
- Loose asbestos cavity insulation (e.g. loose-fill asbestos)
Bulk Asbestos Sampling During a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
Designed for large-scale maintenance, refurbishment and demolition projects, Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys (R&D surveys) locate all suspected ACMs in a building.
The bulk sampling process will then take place, in accordance with the Health and Safety compliant risk assessment and safe method of work, individually prepared for each unique site. These samples are then sent to an independent UKAS laboratory to be analysed and the presence of asbestos will then be confirmed.
R&D surveys are usually recommended as a course of action for buildings with older structures, which pose a higher risk of containing potential ACMs. That’s why the sampling method used for this type of survey takes on a more invasive approach than others. This means that during an R&D survey, our specialist asbestos consultants will require full access to all areas of the site. Hence, it is vital that all other building users vacate the premises during the survey.
Common areas inspected during an R&D survey include:
- Basements
- Service ducts
- Roof voids
If these areas are obstructed, force will be used to gain access. However, if this proves to be an impractical method, we will presume that asbestos is present in these areas, until proven otherwise.
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Bulk Sampling During Asbestos Management Surveys
Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS) are designed to locate any ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during the day-to-day occupancy of a building. An AMS will further assess the condition of these potential ACMs.
In comparison with an R&D Survey, AMS intrusions will be more modest. To ensure minimal disruption to the building during the survey, samples will only be extracted from empty or unoccupied areas, as it is safe for building users to remain on site during the survey. All samples are taken in line with the Health and Safety compliant risk assessment and safe method of work.
Common areas inspected during an AMS include:
- Dry risers
- Ceiling tiles
If certain areas are not accessible, we presume such areas contain asbestos, until inspected and sampled. If a material within the building is found to contain asbestos, it will be assumed that visually similar materials in the building will also contain asbestos.
Bulk Asbestos Sampling FAQs
How long will an asbestos survey take?
No two projects are the same. If your building is an older construction, it may require a more time-consuming method, such as an R&D survey, to thoroughly assess the potential presence of any ACMs. Whereas, if your building is slightly newer, it may only require an asbestos management survey, which requires a less invasive and slightly faster approach.
What is the cost of an asbestos survey?
Asbestos survey costs can vary significantly depending on the individual requirements of your specific building location(s), including: the location of suspected ACMs, any specialist equipment needed, etc.
For a better idea, get in touch with us today for a free quote.
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Areas We Offer Asbestos Surveys
ASBESTOS
SURVEYS
We undertake Asbestos Management Surveys and Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys, both of which are HSG264-compliant…
ASBESTOS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Our Asbestos Management Plans detail how you can manage asbestos in your property, in line with legislation…
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We can oversee Asbestos Removal projects to ensure a thorough, safe and compliant job is being undertaken…
