Asbestos Auditor View
Last Updated on 14 September 2026
A view for the Auditor – Asbestos Surveys, Management Plans & Policies
This article covers the work I have been undertaking for the last 10 years as an Asbestos auditor and also picks up on my talk on ‘Competency’ from the last FAAM conference in Birmingham. As an auditor I am in a relatively unique position to work alongside my old company RB Asbestos Consultants and Colleagues from Morgan Lambert and Forza FM. Between us we deliver a whole range of auditing services. I also retain a Directorship at the IATP one of the largest asbestos training member organisations designed to help members achieve competence and recognition.
I say unique, because I audit everyday asbestos surveys (mainly UKAS organisations) and I also get to work with local authorities, housing associations, insurance companies to improve (via audit) their asbestos management plans and policies. This spread of workload gives a clearer view on the issues that are encountered and associated pitfalls. Hopefully this article will give the reader some pointers on how to approach these different elements of their own involvement in asbestos and ultimately avoid the same problems.
Issues with Asbestos Survey Audits for the Auditor
The issues commonly raised with asbestos surveys during auditing can generally fall into two areas – the physical survey and the report. Both can be audited either by on-site work or desktop version, and clearly some of the findings will crossover. Below is a list of the most common issues encountered across both:-
- Under sampling of potential asbestos containing materials ACM’s (particularly textured coatings and floor tiles)
- Plans not accurately showing recorded ACM’s and No Access areas (presumed to contain asbestos)
- Poor use of the risk assessment algorithms
- Poor or missing scope of works for refurbishment or demolition surveys
- Lack of delineation between ‘targeted refurbishment and management surveys’
- Lack of access due to ‘keys not being available’
- Poor internal auditing of survey reports by the survey company
These all happen for a variety of reasons. However, as you can see from the list, It is probably easy to blame a surveyor when reports are not up to standard. But, in many cases, the faults also belong to the wider survey organisation and the client. This is where auditing internally and externally is a valuable tool to iron out these issues.
UKAS or any other demonstration of professional ability doesn’t necessarily confer quality of the survey or the report. Ensure you monitor the quality of what is produced and provided by your organisation on a regular basis.
Problems with Asbestos policies and management plans
When it comes to asbestos policies and management plans the common mistakes are as follows……..
Say what you do, do what you say and retain the evidence is the simple mantra. Sounds simple, but organisations often make the mistake of relying on old management plans and policies because asbestos can appear complicated. Or, organisations bring in an external specialist to prepare a policy and plan and then try and make the organisation fit the plan. The policy and plan should reflect the organisations internal structures and processes whilst ensuring compliance with the regulations and guidance. Being built from the ground up instead of imposed from the top is usually the best solution.
Contractor monitoring
It is too easy to devolve responsibility to contractors when you are short of resources or want to save capital costs. If you do go down this route, then you need high-quality monitoring and auditing of those contractors across the framework ensuring both your and their responsibilities are met.
Internal training and competence.
Some organisations don’t have adequate resources or enough personnel. If you have the skills internally then that is the best option. If you don’t, then partnering with reliable, experienced professionals to assist, is the next best option.
Information accessibility and data provision
The asbestos information you hold must be easily available to everyone who may require it. Some organisations send only parts of the information on spreadsheet lists or have maintenance staff using PDA’s without the full report. Some organisations allow contractors to download the asbestos survey information from a portal when they are given a work task. Whichever option is chosen, it must be robust. Partial survey information provision and failing to download a survey before starting a job are not a defence under the Health and Safety at Work act.
‘Scope of work’ provision.
A common mistake, particularly around social housing, is ordering ‘targeted refurbishment’ asbestos surveys on domestic property before a full Scope of work is agreed with a building contractor. Surveying live residential property is always a restriction in relation to the level of invasiveness that can be achieved. However, not providing an accurate scope of work for the survey team can potentially lead to exposure to asbestos.
Conclusion – Asbestos Auditor Findings
Hopefully you have found this blog informative. Greg Byrne is the former Director of RB Asbestos Consultants Limited who has been in the asbestos industry for 40 years. He specialises in Asbestos Auditing, Asbestos Management Plans & Policies, Working with Asbestos Victim Support Groups, Asbestos Solicitors, Medical Professionals & Conference Speaking.
Need professional advice?
We hope that you found our latest blog article on the views of an Asbestos Auditor both interesting and informative. If you need any help or advice in regards to asbestos in your property then we’ll be very happy to assist you. Give us a call and our experts will give you some advice and guidance on whatever if is you’re concerned about.
Please contact us on 0800 141 2676, email us at info@rbasbestos.co.uk or fill in the form below.
Our professional surveyors conduct inspections and surveys every day across the UK on all types of properties, both residential and commercial, for private home owners and commercial property Managers and owners. So when it comes to managing ACMs in your property, you’re in very safe hands with RB!!
Check out our customer reviews on Google.
