Asbestos Analyst/Surveyer
Occupation overview
Performing an essential role in the identification, analysis and monitoring of asbestos materials
Occupation Profile
Asbestos is a hazardous material that is present within many buildings in the UK and past exposure currently results in 5000 deaths per year. Asbestos Analysts and Surveyors perform an essential role in the identification, analysis and monitoring of asbestos materials by assisting employers and property owners in understanding the risks asbestos presents and advising on how to control these risks. This occupational role is essential in order to ensure employers comply with the legal duties placed on them.
The role involves the inspection of buildings, premises and machinery for the presence of asbestos materials as well as the assessment of identified materials and the provision of information to employers to allow them to manage the risks the asbestos may present. The widespread nature of asbestos means visiting a wide range of building types including schools, offices, factories and homes.
In addition to this, the role will involve the monitoring and management of asbestos removal operations. To ensure no conflict of interest the surveyor role does not involve removal work, which must be carried out by an independent organisation. The surveyor will assess the presence of asbestos and identify where levels are such that they require removal action to take place. Removal contractors will carry out the removal and an independent surveyor will carry out final checks before the building is returned to the owner.
The occupation involves working in a highly-controlled environment with all works being undertaken in accordance with strict regulatory guidelines, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and meeting the technical requirements of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Competencies
Knowledge
History
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst understands:
- How asbestos use changed with time
- How asbestos regulations have changed and the impact this has had on the use of asbestos in buildings and how this may affect identification.
- Phased prohibition of different types of asbestos fibres and products
Buildings
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst understands:
- Why asbestos was used in buildings
- Why and where asbestos was used in buildings and techniques to be used to identify and locate it
- What buildings are likely to contain asbestos and where
Legislation, Health and Safety
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst understands:
- The different asbestos regulations and guidance documents relevant to their role being performed
- How regulations apply in different workplaces and environments
Technical Procedures
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst understands:
- The collection and monitoring of airborne asbestos fibres
- How to collect and analyse samples using microscopy
- How to perform buildings inspections for the presence of asbestos
- The requirements of The Health & Safety Executive, United Kingdom Accreditation Service and other technical documentation
Skills
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
Equipment
- Operate a range of sampling equipment to identify asbestos
- To maintain, calibrate and repair measuring and sampling equipment
- To use different types of microscopes suitable for the analytical work being performed
- To use specialist plant and machinery for the task being undertaken
Asbestos Surveying
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Undertake surveys suitable for the management of asbestos in buildings
- Undertake surveys for the refurbishment or demolition of buildings
- Provide information about asbestos risks to property managers
- Provide guidance to property owners and managers on actions to be taken when asbestos is present
Asbestos Laboratory Identification
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Analyse samples for the presence of asbestos fibres in a range of materials using chemical preparation, morphologically and composition
- Report on the presence of the regulated asbestos types found within samples
Asbestos Air Monitoring
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Undertake the collection of air samples including personal, background, reassurance and clearance sampling
- Perform fibre counting using Phase Contrast Microscopy and calculate and report on the findings of this analysis
- Undertake the necessary additional checks required to ensure the samples meet regulatory requirements, such as visual inspections of work areas and enclosures
Reporting & Risk Assessments
- Review and assess method statements and risk assessments
- Document findings and report on those findings
Behaviours
Impartiality & Integrity
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Act in a professional manner demonstrating both impartiality and integrity as per HSE and UKAS requirements
Environment Awareness
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Be environmentally aware, showing a willingness to minimise their impact upon the working environment in line with guidance provided by HSE
Collaboration & Communication
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Display a willingness to work within a team to achieve an end goal and to provide the necessary support in reaching that goal
- Be customer-focussed, understanding the importance of ensuring information is delivered clearly and in an easy-to-understand way for customers and employers need to ensure information is clear to members of the public and employers
Independence
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Be able to work alone and make decisions necessary to ensure a satisfactory outcome is achieved within the regulatory framework
Continuing Personal Development
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Be proactive in their own development and willing to commit to lifelong learning and development
Confidentiality & Customer Service
An Asbestos Surveyor & Analyst is able to:
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and provide high levels of customer service
Entry Requirements
Employers will set the selection criteria for individuals. Individuals will typically have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent at grade C or above including English and Math. Employers who recruit candidates without level 2 English and Math must ensure that the candidate achieves this standard prior to taking the end point assessment.
Details of standard
Level: 3
Duration of Apprenticeship: Typically, 24 months
This Apprenticeship is aligned with Construction.
Qualifications
In a heavily regulated industry, qualifications have become necessary to help show competence. Qualifications are written into the asbestos regulations in The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and supporting Approved Code of Practice L143.
RSPH Level 3 Award in Air monitoring and clearance procedures. RSPH Level 3 Award in surveying
RSPH Level 3 Award in Bulk Analysis.
All three qualifications as recognised by OFQUAL and recognised by United Kingdom Accreditation Service and referenced by The Health & Safety Executive and meeting the requirements of OFQUAL will be attained during the trailblazer scheme. Individuals cannot undertake any of the three disciplines without completing the qualification. This is a legal requirement as described in The Control of Asbestos regulations 2012.
Review
The apprenticeship scheme will be reviewed after a maximum of 3 years or as changes to regulations occur.
Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.
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