Health and Safety Executive

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Managing my asbestos

9. Testing for asbestos

If you are not planning any work, you don't need to test for asbestos.

Before doing any work which may disturb asbestos materials, you must either:

  • get expert help to test if asbestos is present or absent
    (See guidance below on types of survey, brownfield sites and old equipment); or
  • apply full asbestos safety precautions for the work.
    (This is described later, in 'Getting work done' )

If you are planning work discuss your requirements with a surveyor

Types of survey

There are different types of survey that your surveyor may recommend.

Both of these survey types may require samples to be taken.

Brownfield sites

There are specific points to consider when carrying out a survey on a brownfield site.

Old equipment (pre 2000)

There are specific points to consider when carrying out a survey on old equipment.

Key points

  • You will need to get expert help to carry out these tests.
  • If not tested, materials are presumed to be asbestos. You must apply full asbestos safety precautions when doing any work.
Back 8. Write your asbestos management plan
Next 10. Tell people what you're doing

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Updated 2011-05-04