An asbestos survey and an asbestos analysis are both ways of finding out whether there is asbestos in a building. They have different purposes, however, and suit different situations. In this article we compare the two services and help you make the right choice.
What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is a comprehensive investigation in which a professional inspects the building and identifies all materials that may contain asbestos. The survey is usually carried out by a surveyor who knows building materials from different periods and how often they contain asbestos.
In the survey, samples are taken from all suspect materials and analysed in a laboratory. The outcome is a survey report showing which materials contain asbestos, where they are and what measures they require during demolition.
What is an asbestos analysis?
An asbestos analysis is a laboratory test of a single material sample that shows whether that particular material contains asbestos. You can take the sample yourself and send it to the laboratory for analysis. The result shows whether the sample contains asbestos and, if so, which type of asbestos.
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 main differences
The biggest difference is the scope. An asbestos survey covers the whole building or part of it, while an asbestos analysis concerns a single material or a few materials. A survey requires a professional on site; an analysis you can arrange yourself by taking a sample and sending it by post.
The price difference is considerable. An asbestos survey costs significantly more, as it includes a professional's visit, several samples and a comprehensive report. At Semlab an asbestos analysis costs €49.99 incl. VAT per sample.
The timescale also differs. For an asbestos survey you have to book an appointment with a professional, there is a site visit and then the report is written. With an asbestos analysis you can start straight away: take the sample, send it as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service to the laboratory in Finland, and receive the result after a few working days of delivery time.
When should you choose an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is the right choice when the renovation is extensive and affects several parts of the building. Typical situations are pipe replacement, a complete gut renovation, demolition of a building or a major moisture damage repair. In such cases you need an overall picture of all asbestos-containing materials so that the demolition can be planned safely.
A survey is also advisable if it is not known exactly which materials will be affected by the demolition, or if structures have to be opened up on a large scale. A professional will recognise materials that people renovating themselves might not notice. In some countries a survey is mandatory before certain demolition or renovation work, so check your national rules.
When should you choose an asbestos analysis?
An asbestos analysis is enough if you know exactly which material is to be removed and want to find out whether it contains asbestos. Someone who wants to renovate the bathroom, for example, can have the tile adhesive tested with a sample. Someone who wants to remove a vinyl floor covering can send a sample of the floor adhesive to the laboratory.
An analysis is particularly suitable for limited renovations in which only one or two materials are removed. It is quick, inexpensive and easy to arrange without an external professional.
Can the two be combined?
Yes. In many cases it makes sense to start with a single analysis and follow up with a survey if needed. If the first sample shows asbestos, a more comprehensive investigation may make sense, especially if other materials are also to be removed during the renovation. If, on the other hand, the analysis shows that the material tested does not contain asbestos, you may be able to carry on without a larger survey.
Summary
An asbestos survey is a comprehensive investigation by a professional and is suitable for large renovations. An asbestos analysis is a targeted laboratory test suitable for checking individual materials. Both have the same goal – a safe renovation – just on a different scale. Semlab is a laboratory and does not carry out on-site surveys, but we are happy to analyse the samples you send us. Choose the option that suits your situation, or contact us and we will help you decide.