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Sample Asbestos Survey Format; Asbestos Surveys in Auckland: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before the Professionals Arrive"

Asbestos Survey Report Template

1. Surveyor Information

  • Surveyor Name:
  • Company Name:
  • Surveyor Qualification/Accreditation:
  • WorkSafe NZ License Number (if applicable):
  • Survey Date:
  • Contact Information:

2. Property Information

  • Property Address:
  • Property Owner/Client:
  • Contact Person:
  • Building Type: (e.g., single-family home, multi-family unit, etc.)
  • Year of Construction:
  • Previous Asbestos Reports (if available):
  • Purpose of Survey: (e.g., refurbishment, demolition, management)

3. Survey Type

  • Type of Survey: (Choose one of the following options)
    • Management Survey: A routine survey to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and their condition.
    • Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: A detailed survey conducted before significant construction or demolition work.
  • Scope of Survey: (Describe the areas to be surveyed. This can include internal rooms, external walls, roofs, and service ducts. Also, mention inaccessible areas.)

4. Survey Methodology

  • Survey Process:
    • Visual inspection of accessible areas to locate ACMs.
    • Sampling of suspected ACMs (details of sampling methodology as per WorkSafe guidelines).
    • Laboratory analysis of samples following approved methods.
    • Risk assessment based on condition, location, and exposure likelihood of ACMs.
  • WorkSafe Compliance: All survey practices and assessments will comply with the NZ Asbestos Regulations 2016 and guidance provided by WorkSafe NZ.

5. Asbestos Identification

  • Materials Suspected of Containing Asbestos:
    • Material Location: (e.g., roofing sheets, eaves, wall linings, floor coverings)
    • Condition of Material: (Good, Fair, Poor – note any damage, disturbance, or degradation)
    • Material Description: (e.g., fibrous cement sheet, vinyl tiles, insulation material)
    • Sample Reference Number:
    • Laboratory Analysis Results: (Indicate whether asbestos was detected, and if so, specify the type: Chrysotile, Amosite, Crocidolite, etc.)
  • Non-Asbestos Materials: Any materials tested but found not to contain asbestos should be recorded.

6. Risk Assessment

  • Material Condition: Based on the degree of damage and likelihood of fibre release.
  • Location: Areas with frequent occupancy or high potential disturbance are higher risk (e.g., living rooms, attics, roofing).
  • Asbestos Type: Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is considered more dangerous than Chrysotile (white asbestos).
  • Likelihood of Exposure: Determine whether the asbestos material is likely to be disturbed by occupants or maintenance work.

    Risk Category: (Low, Medium, High)

7. Recommendations

  • Immediate Actions: (If asbestos is in poor condition or poses a high risk, recommend sealing, encapsulation, or removal.)
  • Management Plan: If asbestos is in good condition, outline a plan for regular inspections to ensure it remains undisturbed.
  • Asbestos Removal: Indicate whether Class A or Class B licensed removal is required, based on NZ Asbestos Regulations.
  • Record Keeping: Advise the property owner to maintain asbestos records as part of their health and safety documentation, in accordance with WorkSafe guidelines.

8. Survey Limitations

  • Inaccessible Areas: List any areas that could not be surveyed (e.g., behind walls, under floors).
  • Non-Destructive Testing: If the survey was non-destructive, note that concealed asbestos materials may not have been identified.
  • Further Surveys Required: Indicate if further intrusive surveys are recommended prior to demolition or refurbishment.

9. Laboratory Analysis

  • Lab Name:
  • Lab Accreditation Number:
  • Lab Contact Information:
  • Analysis Method: Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), or another method.
  • Results: Attach lab reports for each sample tested.

10. Conclusion

Summarize the findings of the survey, including:

  • Total number of materials identified as containing asbestos.
  • Risk assessment of asbestos materials.
  • Recommended actions (removal, management, encapsulation, etc.).
  • Compliance with WorkSafe NZ and Asbestos Regulations 2016.

11. Appendices

  • Site Plans: (Marked-up floor plans showing locations of ACMs)
  • Photographs: (Include photographs of asbestos-containing materials, showing condition and location.)
  • Sample Results: Attach laboratory results of all samples taken.
  • Asbestos Management Plan: (If applicable, attach a copy of the plan.)

Surveyor Signature

  • Name:
  • Signature:
  • Date:

References:

  • NZ Asbestos Regulations 2016: Compliance with legislation on the identification, management, and removal of asbestos.
  • WorkSafe NZ Guidelines: Asbestos surveys are conducted following the guidance and code of practice outlined by WorkSafe NZ for the safe handling and management of asbestos.

Asbestos Surveys: No Fluff, Just the Facts for Auckland Homeowners

If you own a home in Auckland built before the late ‘80s, chances are asbestos could be lurking somewhere—ceilings, walls, floors, or even your pipes. An asbestos survey isn’t just a box to tick; it’s your first line of defense against dangerous fibres that can cause serious health issues. So, when a professional asbestos surveyor shows up, what should you expect? Let’s break it down, no-nonsense style.

Step 1: Who’s Knocking on Your Door?

Before you even let anyone onto your property, check their credentials. A proper asbestos surveyor will have:

  • WorkSafe NZ Certification: No certification? No survey. It’s that simple.
  • Experience in Residential Surveys: Your house isn’t a factory—residential asbestos surveys require specific skills.
  • Insurance and Compliance: Ask for proof of public liability insurance and adherence to asbestos regulations in New Zealand.

If they can’t tick these boxes, don’t even bother showing them the door.

Step 2: Pre-Survey Chat – It’s All About Clarity

A professional surveyor won’t just rock up with a clipboard and a ladder. They’ll start with a conversation:

  • What’s Your Home’s History? They’ll ask about renovations, repairs, and the age of the property.
  • What Are Your Concerns? If you’ve noticed suspicious materials, point them out.

This step isn’t just a time-filler—it sets the foundation for a thorough survey.

Step 3: The Inspection – Thorough or Nothing

An asbestos survey isn’t a quick once-over. It’s a detailed process that involves:

  • Visual Inspection: From your roof to your flooring, they’ll check all potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
  • Sampling: If they spot anything suspicious, they’ll carefully take samples for testing. Don’t panic—this is done safely to avoid fibre release.
  • Accessing Hard-to-Reach Areas: Expect them to check lofts, under floors, and behind cladding.

If they skip steps or seem to rush, they’re cutting corners, and you deserve better.

Step 4: The Testing Process – It’s All in the Lab

Once samples are collected, they’re sent to a certified lab for analysis. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Results Take Time: Typically, you’ll get results within a few days.
  • Detailed Findings: You’ll find out whether asbestos is present, what type it is, and its condition.
  • Next Steps: Based on the findings, the surveyor will recommend what to do—monitoring, removal, or encapsulation.

Step 5: The Report – Your Safety Bible

The final report is the gold standard of an asbestos survey. It should include:

  • Identified ACMs: A list of all materials containing asbestos.
  • Risk Assessment: How dangerous each ACM is based on its condition and location.
  • Action Plan: Clear recommendations on how to manage or remove the asbestos safely.

Keep this document—it’s not just a legal safeguard but also a guide for future renovations.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every “asbestos professional” is worth your time. Watch out for these warning signs:

  • No Sampling: If they claim they can “eyeball” asbestos, they’re lying.
  • Suspiciously Low Prices: A proper survey takes time, expertise, and lab fees. Cheap quotes often mean subpar work.
  • No Report: A verbal summary isn’t good enough. You need everything in writing.

Why It’s Worth Doing Right

Asbestos exposure is no joke. It’s a long-term health hazard that can lead to serious illnesses like mesothelioma and lung cancer. A professional asbestos survey isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your family’s health and your home’s value.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to asbestos surveys in Auckland, don’t settle for second-rate service. Choose a professional with the right credentials, tools, and expertise. Ask questions, demand a detailed report, and remember—it’s your home and your safety on the line.

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