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 jobs
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average 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.
 

male wearing protective gear at work
male wearing protective gear at work
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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.
     
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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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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.
     
smiling male looking down on his mobile phone
smiling male looking down on his mobile phone
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FAQs

FAQs about working as an asbestos surveyor

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