Inspection with integrity: the value of UKAS-accredited asbestos services

Protecting health and safety through competent, reliable inspection

Asbestos remains one of the most significant occupational health risks in the UK, with exposure still responsible for thousands of deaths every year. Although its use has been banned since 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings, particularly those constructed before the 1980s. Identifying and managing these materials safely is crucial in protecting workers, building occupants and the general public.

Accredited asbestos inspection services play a vital role in this process. Whether conducting asbestos surveys, reinspections, or clearance work, these inspections help to ensure asbestos is located, assessed and managed properly. Choosing a provider accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 gives assurance that the inspection body is impartial, technically competent, and operating to a recognised international standard.

What is ISO/IEC 17020:2012 and how does it apply to asbestos inspection?

ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is the international standard for the operation of various types of inspection bodies. It sets out the requirements for impartiality, competence, and consistent operation of organisations performing inspection activities.

Within the asbestos sector, ISO/IEC 17020 applies to organisations undertaking:

• Management, refurbishment, demolition surveys to identify the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building which could be damaged or disturbed either during normal occupancy or during periods of refurbishment work or in the whole building if demolition is planned

• Reinspection surveys to monitor known asbestos-containing materials
• Priority Risk Assessment to support duty holders in effective management order of materials

Accreditation to this standard ensures that asbestos inspection bodies have the necessary technical expertise, robust quality management systems and independence to deliver reliable and trusted results.

Gaining and maintaining accreditation for asbestos inspection

Achieving UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is a rigorous process that involves:

1. Application and assessment – The inspection body applies to UKAS, submitting documentation that outlines how it meets the standard’s requirements. UKAS assessors with sector-specific expertise review this information and conduct an on-site assessment across  the body’s inspection activities.
2. Demonstration of technical competence – The body must demonstrate that its personnel are appropriately trained, qualified and experienced. It must also have the correct equipment, processes and systems in place for accurate, consistent inspection work.
3. Ongoing surveillance – Accreditation is not a one-off achievement. UKAS carries out regular surveillance visits and reassessments to ensure continued compliance, investigate any changes and uphold the credibility of the accredited service.

This comprehensive oversight helps to maintain public confidence in asbestos inspections and supports compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

Find out more about applying for accreditation here.  Estimated costs for a small asbestos inspection body can be found here.

The risks of using unaccredited inspection services

Choosing an asbestos inspection provider that is not accredited to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 can expose customers and the wider public to significant risks, including:

• Inaccurate or incomplete asbestos registers, leading to dangerous materials being disturbed unknowingly
• Inconsistent or poorly conducted surveys, with no recourse to a recognised complaints or oversight mechanism
• Lack of impartiality, where commercial interests may compromise the objectivity of the inspection
• Non-compliance with best practice and HSE guidance, which can result in enforcement action, fines, or liability in the event of harm

Ultimately, the consequences of relying on unaccredited services can include serious health risks to workers and building users, reputational damage and legal consequences.

Choose accredited inspection. Protect lives.

Accreditation is a mark of quality, competence, and trust. Whether you’re a duty holder under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a facilities manager, or a contractor, using a UKAS-accredited inspection body provides the assurance you need that asbestos risks are being managed competently and responsibly.

📍 Find a UKAS-accredited asbestos inspection provider:
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📍 Interested in gaining accreditation for asbestos inspection?
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