Glossary of asbestos terms (S to Z)
Asbestos terminology may be second nature to us, but we appreciate it may be unfamiliar to many people.
Over the last few months we have listed the most common words/terms and explained their meaning. Here we conclude our Glossary with S to Z.
Site Clearance Certificate for Reoccupation: Following asbestos removal, the premises must be assessed to determine whether they are thoroughly clean and fit for reoccupation (or, as appropriate, demolition). The clearance certification process is a vital component in asbestos removal work. The issue of a Certificate of Reoccupation by an impartial and competent organisation provides the crucial reassurance and security to the subsequent building users. The multi-stage certification process is designed to allow the inspection and assessment to be performed in a structured, systematic and consistent manner. Sampling for certification of reoccupation should take place only when the enclosure is dry and a visual inspection confirms that it is free from debris and dust.
Scope of Works: A detailed plan of works, including site plans containing the extent and nature of the works.
Specification: A precise and detailed description, e.g. how work should be done or what materials must be used
Type 1 Survey: A type of survey and term no longer in use or considered compliant, referred to as a ‘visual or walkround’ survey completed without disturbing the fabric of the building. Samples were not usually taken.
Type 2 Survey: A type of survey and term no longer in use or considered compliant, refers to a more intrusive survey including areas such as suspended ceilings, accessible ducts and other accessible voids. Samples were almost always taken and required for the asbestos register. Also referred to as a sampling survey, now superseded by a Management Survey.
Type 3 Survey: A type of survey and term no longer in use or considered compliant, a pre-demolition survey taking core samples from partitions, lifting floorboards and investigating back to the structure, where possible. Required prior to any refurbishment or demolition projects, now superseded by a Refurbishment/ Demolition Survey.
Visual Inspection: An inspection of the enclosure or site by the Analyst to see if all the ACMs specified have been removed before carrying out an Airborne Fibre Count within this area, as part of the Four Stage Clearance. The Analyst must check:
- completeness of the removal of the ACMs from the underlying surfaces;
- presence of any visible asbestos debris left inside the enclosure and airlocks or work area;
- presence of fine settled dust.
UKAS: United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole National accreditation body for the United Kingdom. Recognised by the Government to assess, against Internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates that an Asbestos Consultancy has the competence, impartiality and performance capability.
UKATA: United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association. This trade association was established in 2007 with a remit from the HSE to set standards, audit and manage a list of asbestos training providers. Starting with just 41 members, UKATA now has over 200 members of which Enquin Environmental was among the first to participate and become an approved training provider.
Download Asbestos Glossary S to Z.
Previous glossaries can be found on the links below:
This completes our Glossary of Asbestos Terms. We hope you found it useful.