The purpose of the survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the
presence and extent of any suspect ACM's (Asbestos Containing Materials) in the
building and access their condition. This survey essentially defers the need to
sample and analyse for asbestos (or the absence thereof) until a later time (e.g.
prior to demolition or major refurbishment). The duty holder bears potential
additional costs of management for some non-asbestos-containing materials.
All
areas should be accessed and inspected as far as reasonably practicable (e.g.
above false ceilings and inside risers, service ducts, lift shafts, etc) or must
be presumed to contain asbestos.
Any material which can reasonably be
expected to contain asbestos must be presumed to contain asbestos, and where it
appears highly likely to contain asbestos, there should be a strong
presumption that it does.
All materials which are presumed to contain
asbestos must be assessed.
