In This Guide
Why Choosing the Right Surveyor Matters
An asbestos survey forms the foundation of your compliance obligations and risk management. Poor quality surveys create genuine safety risks, leave you exposed to enforcement action, and often require costly resurveys. Choosing a competent, qualified surveying company is a decision with long-term consequences for your organisation.
Surveyor Competence: Qualifications, Experience and Assessment
No single qualification proves that a surveyor is competent. HSE's survey guidance (HSG264) describes competence as a combination of relevant qualifications and practical experience. BOHS P402 is a widely held asbestos surveying qualification, and comparable proficiency qualifications from other training bodies may also be relevant, but no qualification demonstrates competence on its own. Surveyors should also have at least six months' full-time, relevant field experience under the supervision of experienced, suitably qualified personnel, and should have had their work audited or assessed on an appropriate number of surveys before acting as lead surveyor. Survey organisations can also demonstrate competence through UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020. Ask any potential provider for evidence of their surveyors' qualifications, supervised experience and how their competence has been assessed.
Laboratory Analysis: UKAS Accreditation
All samples collected during surveys must be analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation ensures that the laboratory operates to ISO 17025 standards and that results are reliable. Ask which laboratory will analyse your samples and verify their accreditation status. Reputable surveyors will provide laboratory certificates with every report.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Asbestos surveying carries professional liability. Any surveying company you engage should hold adequate professional indemnity (PI) insurance, typically a minimum of £1 million, though larger projects may warrant higher cover. This protects you if errors or omissions in the survey cause you loss. Request evidence of insurance before instructing any provider.
Experience and Track Record
Beyond qualifications, consider the company's experience in your sector. Have they surveyed similar buildings? Do they understand the specific challenges of healthcare, education, industrial, or heritage properties? Ask for relevant case study examples or references. Experience with your building type means fewer surprises and more practical recommendations.
Report Quality and Usability
A survey is only useful if the report is clear and actionable. Ask to see a sample report before instructing a surveyor. Good reports include clear executive summaries, practical recommendations, accurate floor plans, photographic evidence, and well-structured registers. Avoid surveyors who produce dense, technical documents that nobody in your organisation will actually use.
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
Before making your decision, ask these questions: What qualifications do your surveyors hold? Which UKAS-accredited laboratory do you use? What is your professional indemnity cover? How quickly can you attend site? What is your turnaround time for reports? Do you include electronic copies and editable registers? What support do you provide after the survey is delivered?
Need Expert Guidance?
Our BOHS-qualified surveyors can help you understand your specific requirements and ensure full compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important qualification for asbestos surveyors?
There is no single required qualification. BOHS P402 – Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings is widely held, and comparable qualifications from other training bodies may also be relevant, but no qualification on its own demonstrates competence. A competent surveyor combines a relevant qualification with supervised field experience and has had their survey work audited or assessed before leading surveys.
Should I choose the cheapest quote?
Price should not be the primary factor. Cheap surveys often mean inadequate sampling, rushed inspections, or inexperienced surveyors. A poor quality survey creates long-term risks and costs. Focus on competence, qualifications, and report quality, then compare prices among qualified providers.
How can I verify a company's accreditations?
Request copies of surveyors' qualification certificates (such as P402 or a comparable qualification) and evidence of their supervised experience and competence assessment, laboratory UKAS accreditation schedules, and professional indemnity insurance certificates. BOHS membership can be verified through their directory. UKAS accreditation can be verified through the UKAS website.
What if I receive a survey that seems inadequate?
If you have concerns about a survey's quality, seek a second opinion from another qualified surveyor. Poor surveys should be reported to the company for resolution. You may have recourse through their professional indemnity insurance if errors cause you loss.
Should I use a national company or a local surveyor?
Both can be appropriate. Local surveyors may offer faster attendance and local knowledge. National companies may have broader experience and quality systems. The key is competence and qualifications, not company size.