Have you got what it takes to become an asbestos surveyor?

At Environtec, we invest a lot in asbestos training and development – not only for existing staff, but for postgraduates and apprentices who are entering the industry for the first time.

But as much as we want to help anyone who has chosen a career in the compliance sector to succeed, there are certain skills and traits that new entrants will need if they are serious about working in this niche area of environmental safety.  

Let’s look at the typical roles and responsibilities of an asbestos surveyor and find out what you can expect from the role if you decide to venture into our field.

What does an asbestos surveyor do?

Asbestos surveyors are responsible for identifying and assessing the presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings. They play a vital part in many construction and renovation projects, because all sites, regardless of their size or scope, need to be examined for evidence of asbestos, otherwise workers and occupants might be placed at risk.

What does the job usually entail?

From examining structures to collecting samples, assessing the risks involved with onsite exposure, reporting on their findings and suggesting remedial measures, there are lots of elements to the role, all of which are governed by the guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). There’s a lot of documentation to complete and sign off, but an asbestos surveyor’s role is typically very hands-on and varied, not least because they need to collaborate with lots of third parties to ensure all asbestos activities are handled with care and in line with regulations.

How do you become an asbestos surveyor?

Many candidates decide to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field – like construction, engineering, or architecture – and then complete a course of specialist asbestos management training. However, although it’s beneficial, a degree is not essential. A Level 3 Award in Asbestos Surveying will provide you with foundational knowledge, while the P402 Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings qualification from the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) will deliver more context and help you hone your practical skills.

There are plenty of apprenticeships and on-the-job training schemes to help you further your education. Gaining real-world experience across a wide range of asbestos consultancy projects will be key to shaping your approach and improving your competency.

Whichever path you choose, you must be prepared for continual learning; the UK takes training and certification in the asbestos industry extremely seriously, and at the very least, you’ll be expected to attend regular refresher courses.

What does it take to excel in this role?

You’ll likely be a great fit for life as an asbestos surveyor if you:

• Love getting technical

After all, you will be expected to know everything there is to know about the building materials that are prone to containing asbestos, and how to handle them safely.

• Are very well organised

There’s a lot to coordinate when you work as an asbestos surveyor, so you need to be able to plan your time and prioritise your tasks accordingly.

• Are confident in making decisions

As the person responsible for compliance in most areas of asbestos surveying, management and handling, people look to you for guidance and leadership in these areas.

• Know how to communicate effectively

You’ll need to convey complex information to clients and other stakeholders; prepare detailed reports that will be used as a central resource; and liaise between everyone else onsite and involved in the project to make sure safety protocols are observed and followed.

• Have a meticulous approach to their work

In the world of asbestos surveying, there’s no room for mistakes. You must pay attention to the finer details and follow all the required legislation to the letter.  

• Are passionate about upholding health and safety standards

We do what we do to keep people safe – so you’ll need to be willing to familiarise yourself with all the latest frameworks relating to health and safety, as well as undergo environmental awareness training. 

Working as an asbestos surveyor or asbestos analyst is incredibly rewarding. Choose a career in our industry, and you’ll be making a tangible difference to people’s lives – plus, you’ll get the opportunity to utilise your varied skillset across a range of sites and projects. It’s going to take decades to rid our dwellings of contaminated asbestos materials, and we need your help! Please feel free to contact us to see if a role as an asbestos surveyor is for you, and whether you might be eligible for one of our comprehensive training programmes.