Asbestos surveys : how can we ensure building safety before works begin?

27 | 10 | 2015

Asbestos surveys : how can we ensure building safety before works begin?

Ose Expertises

Safety on construction sites is an absolute priority. Asbestos, still present in many older buildings, poses a major health risk to workers if handled without proper precautions. For construction companies, it is essential to carry out an asbestos investigation before starting work in order to protect teams and avoid costly interruptions.

At OSE SERVICES, we operate directly on-site to carry out asbestos sampling when there is suspicion, delivering fast and reliable results. This approach enables companies to take the necessary measures to ensure site safety.

Why carry out asbestos analysis on-site?

It is crucial to confirm or rule out the presence of asbestos before starting work. Asbestos can be found in many materials :

  • Window seals and old frames
  • Floor coverings such as tiles or vinyl slabs
  • Roofs and flat roofs
  • Insulation, lagging, or old ducts
  • Wall coverings or old paints

A targeted asbestos analysis allows you to:

  • Accurately identify the location of hazardous materials
  • Adapt protective measures for workers
  • Avoid unexpected delays or work stoppages
  • Ensure maximum responsiveness to secure the site

Intervening before work begins helps secure the site, protect teams, and comply with best safety practices.

Our on-site interventions in practice

Here are several examples illustrating our expertise in on-site asbestos sampling and analysis

Rope access technicians and old window frames

A rope access company needed to remove window frames in an old building. The window seals were suspected to contain asbestos. We carried out on-site sampling and provided rapid results. The company was able to:

  • Confirm or rule out the presence of asbestos
  • Adapt working procedures
  • Continue the project safely

This highlights the importance of targeted asbestos analysis to protect teams and avoid work stoppages.

Asbestos-containing waste left on site

In another case, an asbestos removal company had left waste on-site, posing a risk to workers. We were called in to identify and assess the remaining materials, enabling:

  • Immediate corrective measures
  • Securing the area before further work
  • Protection of workers and the public

Even after asbestos removal work, a follow-up investigation remains essential.

Asbestos on flat roofs

During a flat roof renovation, suspected asbestos required our intervention before work began. We collected samples on-site and provided fast results, allowing:

  • Securing teams before accessing the roof
  • Safe work planning
  • Avoiding unexpected project interruptions

This case demonstrates the importance of on-site asbestos analysis in high-risk environments, particularly at height.

Collaboration with fire services: firefighter health monitoring

We have also worked with fire and rescue services (SDIS) to analyze firefighters’ protective gear following fires involving suspected asbestos. In these situations, speed is critical to:

  • Ensure firefighter health monitoring
  • Assess exposure frequency
  • Determine necessary cleaning or replacement measures

These interventions show that our expertise applies to highly sensitive contexts where safety and responsiveness are critical.

Our added value for construction companies

At OSE SERVICES, we offer:

  • On-site interventions for fast and efficient sampling
  • Reliable and rapid results for better on-site responsiveness
  • Targeted expertise for suspicion-based investigations (non-regulatory inspections)
  • Team safety and project continuity

This approach is particularly suited to rope access technicians, roofers, façade specialists, and any company working on older buildings.

How to secure your sites with OSE SERVICES

To secure a site when asbestos is suspected:

  1. Identify risk areas before starting work
  2. Call on specialists to sample and analyze suspected materials
  3. Adapt work procedures and protective equipment
  4. Plan work according to results to avoid delays or stoppages

Our teams respond quickly on-site to provide reliable results, enabling companies to make informed decisions about continuing or adapting their work.

Conclusion

Asbestos remains a major safety issue on construction sites. Fast, targeted analysis in case of suspicion allows companies to plan work safely, protect employees, and avoid unexpected interruptions.

With OSE SERVICES, benefit from on-site expertise, fast and reliable results, and optimal responsiveness to secure your sites and ensure project continuity. Our services enable construction companies to work with confidence, even on older or sensitive sites, while adhering to the highest safety standards.

 


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