Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) in Buildings Flashcards

Under CAR 2012 Regulation 4, if the presence of asbestos in a material cannot be confirmed, what approach must the duty holder take?

Answer: Presume the material contains asbestos unless evidence shows it does not

Where the presence of asbestos cannot be confirmed by evidence or sampling, the duty holder must presume the material contains asbestos and manage it accordingly.

What is the primary purpose of an asbestos register in a building?

Answer: To document the location, type, condition, and risk of all known or presumed ACMs

The asbestos register is a record of all known or presumed ACMs in a building, including their location, type, extent, condition, and associated risk assessment, enabling safe management.

How should the condition of an asbestos-containing material be assessed during a management survey?

Answer: By visual inspection assessing damage, surface condition, and likelihood of disturbance

Condition assessment during a management survey is carried out visually, scoring factors such as surface damage, delamination, water damage, and the likelihood of the material being disturbed.

What is the key difference between a management survey and a refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey?

Answer: A management survey is non-intrusive; an R&D survey is fully intrusive to locate all ACMs before major works

A management survey is non-intrusive and designed to manage ACMs in normal occupancy, whereas an R&D survey is intrusive and aims to locate all ACMs, including those in hidden voids, before refurbishment or demolition.

If asbestos floor tiles are found to be in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed, what is usually the most appropriate management action?

Answer: Leave them in place, record them in the register, and monitor their condition

ACMs that are in good condition and not at risk of disturbance are best managed in place, with their location recorded and condition monitored periodically, as removal itself can create greater risks.

Who is qualified to take samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials for laboratory analysis?

Answer: A trained asbestos surveyor or licensed asbestos contractor

Sampling must only be performed by trained and competent personnel such as UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyors or licensed contractors, as incorrect sampling can release fibres and cause contamination.

Which of the following pieces of information must be recorded about an ACM in the asbestos register?

Answer: Location, type, extent, condition, and risk assessment

The asbestos register must contain sufficient detail — location, material type, extent/quantity, condition, and a risk assessment — to enable safe management and inform others working in the building.