Researcher Wearing Hazmat Suit

Asbestos Testing

We have over 25 years of experience in providing specialist asbestos testing, remediation services and surveying. KD Asbestos provide testing and support for commercial and domestic properties throughout London, Kent and South East England.

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    Why Test for Asbestos?

    Asbestos is a hazardous material. Once asbestos fibres become airborne, exposure can be fatal. Asbestos causes around 5000 deaths each year, so you could be putting yourself and others at risk to exposure. It is important to seek professional advice if you suspect asbestos to be present in your home or place of work.

    What We Do

    Key staff experience and training includes, UKAS experienced surveyors and UKAS technical & quality managers with relevant P402 qualifications in building surveys & bulk sampling for Asbestos, P405 Management of Asbestos in buildings & RSPH level 3 award in Asbestos surveying to ensure bulk samples of suspect asbestos containing materials are obtained correctly and safely. All samples obtained are then independently tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory (BOHS P401 qualified analysts) located in Kent & London.

    Asbestos fibres are microscopic and used in hundreds of different types of materials both in domestic, commercial & industrial buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000. The common method to detect and test Asbestos fibres is undertaken using a Polarised Light Microscope and Dispersion Staining Techniques by BOHS P401 qualified analysts.

    Yellow Caution Tape

    Types of Asbestos Testing

    There are two main types of Asbestos surveys where testing is carried out.

    Asbestos Management Surveys

    A management survey is a standard survey Its purpose is to test, locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect Asbestos Containing Materials in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition.

    Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys

    A refurbishment and demolition survey is needed before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. This type of survey is used to test, locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work will take place or in the whole building if demolition is planned. The survey will be fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.

    Our asbestos testing reports are comprehensive and include a register of ACMS, site plan photos and analyst reports.
    Clients of KD Asbestos have the opportunity to use our web portal, ensuring easy access to all relevant documentation.

    (REF HSG 264 Regulations)

    What Happens If Asbestos is Found?

    Regulation 4 Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises

    If you have confirmed Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), actions you need to take are:

    If the material is in a good condition and not damaged it can often be left in situ and managed on a regular basis. If the material is damaged it may require encapsulation (to seal) or be removed depending on its condition and or vulnerable location.

    Under Regulation 4 Duty to manage Asbestos in non-domestic premises Regulations 2012 covers the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. It requires duty holders to identify the location and condition of asbestos in non-domestic premises and to manage the risk to prevent harm to anyone who works on the building or to building occupants.

    An essential part of the duty to manage is making sure that information on the location and condition of the ACM is passed on to contractors and other workers who may carry out work on the fabric of the building that could damage/disturb asbestos. This allows them to put in place appropriate controls to protect themselves and others in the building.

    This includes all industrial and commercial buildings, such as factories, warehouses, offices and shops. The duty also covers public buildings such as hospitals, schools, museums, libraries, leisure centres, churches and other religious buildings. The duty does not apply to domestic premises such as private houses.

    However, the duty does apply to the ‘common parts’ of multi–occupancy domestic premises, such as purpose-built flats or houses converted into flats. The common parts of such domestic premises might include foyers, corridors, lifts and lift shafts, staircases, roof spaces, gardens, yards, outhouses and garages.

    We at KD Asbestos currently assist many business in Kent, South East & London with their management plans and carry out regular re-inspection surveys producing detailed reports with risk assessments, recommendations, and registers to put our clients minds at risk when managing the risk of Asbestos.

    Please see below an example refurbishment asbestos survey using TEAMS

    Do you need an asbestos survey? Let us help!

    We have the capability to provide a high quality and efficient service, to locate and identify any suspect hazardous materials. Our service is fast and efficient, backed up by extremely competitive rates. So speak to KD Asbestos first!