Also known as location and assessment asbestos surveys and presumptive asbestos surveys, Type 2 sampling asbestos surveys are similar to Type 1 presumptive asbestos surveys, except that the materials suspected as containing asbestos are sampled. The samples collected during the asbestos survey are then tested under a microscope to determine the presence as well as type of asbestos.
An asbestos register is then developed, which includes the location of the asbestos and a risk assessment as in a Type 1 presumptive asbestos survey. The risk assessment also takes into account the type of asbestos. For instance, crocidolite asbestos or blue asbestos has a higher risk than amosite asbestos or brown asbestos while white asbestos has the lowest risk.
Benefits of Type 2 Asbestos Survey
A Type 2 asbestos survey confirms the presence or absence of asbestos in the sampled material, offering assurance to the tradesman that the material to be worked on does not contain asbestos. In many instances, if a tradesman suspects that the material may contain asbestos, work will proceed only after it is tested and confirmed as safe.
Limitations of Type 2 Asbestos Survey
The Type 2 asbestos survey only identifies asbestos within areas of normal occupancy. The survey does not identify materials that may be hidden within the building fabric or confined spaces, which will need to be identified prior to demolition work with a Type 3 asbestos survey.
Who should conduct asbestos inspections?
Only NATA accredited asbestos inspection bodies should be engaged to undertake the asbestos survey. Safe Environments is a Type A inspection body accredited by NATA and complies with the requirements of AS/NZS ISO.IEC 17020 (2000) for asbestos surveys. Their asbestos surveyors are licensed by the ACT government and approved by councils such as the Kogarah Council.
Safe Environments’ asbestos survey reports are produced in accordance with the requirements of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC:2018(2005)].
Asbestos Check provides commercial and domestic clients with extensive asbestos inspection services including asbestos identification, testing and management.
