What Do I Need To Become An Asbestos Survey Analysis In Hampshire

Are you considering a career in asbestos survey analysis? Maybe you are looking for a change of direction or just starting out in the industry. Whatever your reason, becoming an asbestos survey analysis can be a rewarding and challenging profession. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction industry, particularly between the 1950s and 1980s. As a result, many buildings in Hampshire and across South East England still contain asbestos, which needs to be surveyed and managed to prevent the risk of exposure.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a leading asbestos survey company in Hampshire, providing comprehensive asbestos surveys and analysis to a wide range of clients across the region. Our team of experienced asbestos surveyors and analysts are fully trained and qualified to undertake asbestos surveys and produce thorough asbestos reports. If you are considering a career in asbestos survey analysis, here is what you need to know.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in building materials for their heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, asbestos fibres are extremely dangerous when inhaled as they can cause serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

There are six types of asbestos, including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most commonly used type in the UK and is often found in building materials such as cement, roof sheets, and insulation.

Why Do We Need Asbestos Surveys?

Asbestos surveys are essential to identify whether there is asbestos present in a building and, if so, the type, condition, and location of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The survey will also assess the risk of exposure to asbestos and provide recommendations for how to manage or remove the ACMs safely.

Asbestos surveys must be carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor who is trained to identify, assess, and report on the presence of asbestos in buildings. As an asbestos surveyor and analyst, it is your responsibility to ensure that accurate and comprehensive asbestos surveys are carried out to protect the health and safety of building occupants and workers.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become an Asbestos Surveyor?

To become an asbestos surveyor and analyst, you will need to complete the following qualifications:

BOHS P402 - Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings

BOHS P402 is a British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) qualification that provides training in surveying and sampling strategies for asbestos in buildings. This qualification is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and is a requirement for anyone who wishes to undertake asbestos surveys and produce asbestos reports.

BOHS P403 - Asbestos Fibre Counting (PCM)

BOHS P403 is another BOHS qualification that provides training in asbestos fibre counting using phase contrast microscopy (PCM). This qualification is essential for asbestos analysts who will be carrying out air monitoring and fibrous dust analysis.

BOHS P404 - Air Sampling of Asbestos and MMMF and Requirements for a Certificate of Reoccupation Following Clearance of Asbestos

BOHS P404 is a BOHS qualification that provides training in air sampling of asbestos and man-made mineral fibres (MMMF) and the requirements for a certificate of reoccupation following clearance of asbestos. This qualification is essential for asbestos analysts who will be involved in clearance testing following the removal of asbestos.

BOHS P405 - Management of Asbestos in Buildings

BOHS P405 is a BOHS qualification that provides training in the management of asbestos in buildings. This qualification covers the legal requirements for managing asbestos in buildings, including risk assessments, management plans, and monitoring.

What Skills Do I Need as an Asbestos Surveyor?

Becoming an asbestos surveyor and analyst requires a range of skills, including:

Attention to detail

As an asbestos surveyor and analyst, you will need to have excellent attention to detail to identify and assess areas of potential risk. You will also need to be able to assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials and provide recommendations for their safe management or removal.

Excellent communication skills

You will need to have excellent communication skills to explain complex information to clients and building occupants in a clear and understandable manner. You will also need to be able to write detailed asbestos reports.

Knowledge of regulations and standards

As an asbestos surveyor and analyst, you will need to have a good understanding of the regulations and standards relating to asbestos, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the HSEs guidance on asbestos.

IT skills

You will need to have good IT skills to be able to produce accurate and comprehensive asbestos reports.

What Does an Asbestos Survey Involve?

As an asbestos surveyor, you will be responsible for carrying out asbestos surveys to identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials in buildings. The survey will involve the following:

Site visit

You will need to visit the site to inspect the building and identify any areas of potential risk.

Sampling

You will need to take samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials for analysis.

Analysis

You will need to send the samples to a UKAS accredited asbestos testing laboratory for analysis. This will involve using phase contrast microscopy (PCM) to determine the type and amount of asbestos present in the material.

Report

You will need to produce a comprehensive asbestos report that includes information on the location, condition, and type of asbestos-containing materials, as well as recommendations for their safe management or removal.

Conclusion

If you are considering a career in asbestos survey analysis, you will need to complete the relevant BOHS qualifications and develop a range of skills, including attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of regulations and standards. As an asbestos surveyor and analyst, you will play a vital role in protecting the health and safety of building occupants and workers by identifying and assessing the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials in buildings.

If you are looking for an asbestos survey company in Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can provide a comprehensive asbestos survey and analysis service to meet your needs. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you manage asbestos in your building.

Contact us:

• Phone: 01962 458066
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk