what is an asbestos surveyor?
Asbestos is a material used in construction properties around the UK. Many people are stripping it off their properties due to its hazardous components. As an asbestos surveyor, you identify, analyse and monitor the use of asbestos materials. You also train workers on the risks of asbestos and how to handle them.
Asbestos surveyors inspect premises, buildings and machinery to check the presence of asbestos and provide recommendations on ways to deal with it. Since asbestos was a famous insulation substance in the past, you will survey various building types, from residential properties and offices to schools and factories.
asbestos surveyor job description
Aside from inspecting, as an asbestos surveyor, you also supervise asbestos removal operations. You will assess the presence of the hazardous material and the sections that require urgent removal. After removal operations, you should carry out the final checks before the residents occupy the property.
As an asbestos surveyor, your occupation requires working in a controlled environment since the works should be completed in accordance with the strict regulatory guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). You must also follow the requirements of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Would working as an asbestos surveyor suit your interest in the construction industry and logical thinking skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an asbestos surveyor role.
asbestos surveyor jobsaverage salary of an asbestos surveyor
According to ONS, the average salary of an asbestos surveyor at entry-level ranges from £20,000 to £30,000 per year. Apprentices also earn a similar amount during their training programme. When you are a trained asbestos surveyor with a few years of experience, your compensation package ranges from £30,000 to £40,000 annually. Senior asbestos surveyors with chartered status, experience and hands-on skills earn up to £70,000 per year. Apart from your basic salary, you also enjoy extra earnings for working overtime and end-year bonuses. Some companies have monetary and non-monetary benefits like medical allowances and contributions to a pension scheme.
how to increase your salary as an asbestos surveyor
Your salary depends on your employer and location. Large cities like London or Birmingham, with a high demand for asbestos analysts and high living costs, pay more than smaller towns. If you want to increase your compensation package, consider relocating to bigger towns. Large construction companies have unlimited resources and offer higher salaries than independent contractors and small start-ups. Private companies also have better pay prospects compared to working for the government.
types of asbestos surveyors
As an asbestos surveyor, you can adapt many types of surveys to assess the presence of asbestos in buildings. Some of the methods of surveying include:
- asbestos screening: the process is necessary when repairing damaged material or equipment that could contain asbestos. The surveyor obtains samples for analysis from the suspect areas and conducts a test to determine the presence of asbestos.
- limited asbestos survey: the asbestos surveyor conducts comprehensive property sampling for suspected hazardous materials in a limited survey. It is usually based on the client's needs, and you can test samples from roofs, specific walls or selected areas with suspected asbestos.
- pre-renovation survey: before the renovation, a surveyor analyses the path of construction or building materials. The survey ensures the renovation doesn't have an environmental impact or release asbestos materials to remodelled areas.
- pre-demolition asbestos survey: before demolishing a building, an asbestos surveyor must conduct a comprehensive survey of all the building facets. Your job is to check the interior and exterior materials for asbestos and recommend the removal of asbestos before demolition.
working as an asbestos surveyor
Asbestos surveyors conduct tests to check for hazardous substances and ensure dangerous substances are removed from buildings. Let's explore the responsibilities, work settings and work schedules.
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abestos surveyor job description
The daily tasks of an asbestos surveyor include:
- planning for surveys and asbestos screening: as an asbestos surveyor, you review building plans and technical drawings for better survey planning. You make a list of buildings to be surveyed, details of the materials used and priority areas for sampling. You also need to read the reports and survey on the design, structure and safety & security information. Depending on the property's intended use, you determine parts of the building that require an intrusive survey.
- inspecting for asbestos: after listing all areas that require a survey, you need to safely check for asbestos in the walls, boilers and ceilings. Before commencing the survey, you have to provide a risk assessment report and state the survey method. As the lead surveyor, you will work from the door, examining all the walls and boxing floors before checking the fixtures and fittings.
- taking samples for analysis: as you work methodically through the building, you need to take samples from suspected areas and record them on the survey paperwork. Take samples from the basements, external sites, ceilings and interior walls, label them with a unique sample reference number and take photographs.
- reporting contaminated areas: if you suspect asbestos contamination in any area, you should report it immediately to your supervisor or client. Provide protocols for sealing contaminated parts and removal to prevent poisoning.
- preparing reports: when you complete a survey and receive results for the samples, it is crucial to write a report. Your report should recommend removing asbestos materials and ways to mitigate risks where asbestos contamination is discovered. The report should be made available to property owners and contractors.
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work environment
As an asbestos surveyor, you work in various settings, from residential homes to commercial buildings, factories and historical sites. Your work involves surveying buildings, which means you spend most of your time outdoors. Building sites can be high-risk areas, especially when waiting for demolition. That is why an asbestos survey is done in controlled environments following regulatory guidelines. It is crucial to wear protective equipment like a hard hat, gloves and protective glasses to prevent asbestos contamination.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer in the construction industry, your colleagues may include asbestos analysts, asbestos removal operatives and construction team leaders. Asbestos removal operatives help you eliminate hazardous materials on your client's property. You may also work with contractors, construction managers and other specialists, including project managers and site managers.
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work schedule
An asbestos surveyor typically works 38 to 40 hours a week in a full-time position. However, part-time and flexible working hours are also available. As an asbestos surveyor, you rarely work overtime since your duties can be completed within regular office hours. Some surveyors work on a contract basis and complete short-term projects only. Working as an asbestos surveyor involves travelling to various worksites and laboratories to test samples.
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job outlook
The career path of an asbestos surveyor is well-defined, and you can progress from a junior entry-level surveyor to a senior-level position. When you complete the necessary certifications, you become a chartered asbestos surveyor. Achieving chartered status opens more opportunities to positions like team leader or supervisor. Asbestos surveyors can also explore roles like architectural surveying or become contractors in the construction industry. With years of experience, asbestos surveyors can become self-employed consultants.
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advantages of finding an asbestos surveyor job through randstad
Finding your asbestos surveyor job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an asbestos surveyor is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Asbestos surveyor roles require specialised knowledge and skills, which you can acquire with the following qualifications:
- university: asbestos surveyors in the UK should have a degree in surveying, civil and building engineering or construction management. The professional qualification or degree requires approval by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. For the degree courses, you need 3 A Levels for undergraduate courses. You can undertake specialist training to become an asbestos surveyor when you complete the degree course.
- college: you can become an asbestos surveyor through training from a reliable college. Start with a Level 3 Award in asbestos surveying and proceed to Level 4 Certificate in asbestos laboratory management. Your job prospects improve when you gain experience in the construction industry.
- apprenticeship: join the profession through an apprenticeship with a surveying company or contractors. When you complete the apprenticeship, you will become a surveying technician and improve your skill with further training to become an asbestos surveyor.
skills and competencies
The following skills are beneficial to people considering a job as an asbestos surveyor:
- integrity: you need to act professionally with impartiality to fulfil the requirements provided by the legal guidelines. Integrity helps you ensure professionalism.
- environmental awareness: as an asbestos surveyor, you prevent environmental pollution and the negative consequences of asbestos pollution. You need to be environmentally aware when conducting your duties and stick to the health and safety guidelines of dealing with asbestos.
- collaboration and communication skills: your job requires teamwork to achieve an end goal. It is vital to collaborate with the team and communicate clearly to receive support. Communication skills also help explain facts clearly to your clients.
- decision-making skills: as an asbestos surveyor, you need to make decisions fast to avoid the adverse effects of asbestos on the environment.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an asbestos surveyor
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will a surveyor find asbestos?
Yes. An asbestos surveyor can identify asbestos in a building by sending samples from suspected areas to a lab for testing.
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do you need an asbestos survey to sell a commercial property?
Yes. If your property is suspected of containing asbestos materials, you need an asbestos survey before selling it. Clearing any asbestos suspicions improves the market value of your property.
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what is an asbestos analyst?
An asbestos analyst surveys a building and identifies areas with asbestos for sampling and analysis. They get samples from properties and test for the presence of asbestos.
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who is a competent surveyor?
A competent surveyor carries out comprehensive surveys on building properties to identify asbestos and hazardous materials.
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how do I apply for an asbestos surveyor vacancy?
Applying for an asbestos surveyor job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
