An asbestos survey and an asbestos analysis are both ways of finding out whether a building contains asbestos. They serve different purposes, though, and suit different situations. This article compares the two and helps you pick the right one.
What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is a wide-ranging investigation in which a professional goes through the building and identifies every material that might contain asbestos. It is usually carried out by a building health specialist or another qualified person who knows the building materials of each period and how likely they are to contain asbestos.
During the survey, samples are taken from all suspect materials and analysed in the laboratory. The result is a survey report setting out which materials contain asbestos, where they are and what they will require when removal work begins.
What is an asbestos analysis?
An asbestos analysis is a laboratory test on a single material sample to establish whether that material contains asbestos. You can take the sample yourself and send it to the laboratory. The result tells you whether there is asbestos in the sample and, if so, which type.
An asbestos analysis is a targeted test - it answers the question "does this material contain asbestos?" It does not cover the whole building, only the material the sample came from.
The key differences
The biggest difference is scope. An asbestos survey covers a whole building, or a whole part of one, while an analysis concerns one material or a handful of them. A survey needs a professional on site; an analysis you can order yourself by taking a sample and putting it in the post.
The difference in price is substantial. An asbestos survey usually costs several hundred euros, because it includes a professional's visit, several samples and a full report. An analysis typically costs from a few tens of euros to around a hundred per sample.
The timescale differs too. A survey means booking a professional, arranging the site visit and waiting for the report to be written. An analysis you can start straight away: take a sample, put it in the post, get the result in a few days.
When should you choose a survey?
An asbestos survey is the right choice when the renovation is extensive and touches several structures. Typical cases are a pipe replacement project, a full refurbishment, demolition of the building or extensive repairs after water damage. In those situations you need the whole picture of the asbestos-containing materials so that the removal work can be planned safely.
A survey is also worth having when it is not clear exactly which materials the work will touch, or when structures have to be opened up extensively. A professional will spot materials a renovator would probably miss.
When is an analysis enough?
An asbestos analysis is enough when you know exactly which material is coming out and simply want to know whether it contains asbestos. Someone planning a bathroom renovation, for example, can settle the tile adhesive question with a single sample. Someone taking up vinyl flooring can post a sample of the adhesive to the laboratory.
An analysis suits limited renovations particularly well, where only one or two materials are being taken out. It is quick, inexpensive and easy to arrange without bringing in a professional.
Can you combine the two?
Yes. It often makes sense to start with a single analysis and move up to a survey if need be. If the first sample turns up asbestos, a wider investigation may be the sensible next step, especially if other materials are also coming out. Equally, if the analysis shows the material is clean, you may well be able to proceed without a wider survey.
Summary
An asbestos survey is a wide-ranging investigation carried out by a professional and suits major renovations. An asbestos analysis is a targeted laboratory test and suits checking individual materials. Both serve the same end - a safe renovation - but on a different scale. Choose whichever fits your situation, or get in touch and we will help you decide.