The BOHS P402 course is a requirement for all survey staff in UKAS accredited survey companies and is the recognised industry standard for all asbestos surveyors.

The course provides background and practical knowledge in the surveying of buildings for asbestos and to provide general guidance on management procedures necessary to minimise exposure to any identified asbestos.

A two-day course with a further day of written and practical examinations. A successful completion of the examinations and the subsequent survey reports will lead to a: ‘Proficiency Certificate’ in Building Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos.

Candidates for this course are expected to be aware of the contents of HSG 264 (Asbestos: The Survey Guide) and have a minimum of six months prior experience of carrying out asbestos surveys.

This course will require approximately 16 hours’ study time, of which at least 12 hours will be taught (teaching and practical). The additional study time will be required in the candidates’ own time.

Course Examination / Assessment

The students would be assessed as follows:

• 40 short answer questions to be answered in 120 minutes.
• A practical assessment carried out by an approved practical assessor as detailed below.
• Candidates are required to demonstrate that they have carried out, possibly under supervision, two field surveys for asbestos, which must include sampling, analysis and a material assessment.

Practical Assessment:

• Slide/video/photographic assessment procedure for identifying the presence of asbestos in different locations which must include a variety of asbestos products, confirm basic understanding of buildings and structures and use of material and priority assessments
• Level of intrusion required for the different types of survey and situations where segregation would be necessary plus the appropriate methods to achieve this.
• Full procedure for taking samples
• Use of PPE and RPE plus personal decontamination.

Report Submission:

• Candidates are required to demonstrate that they have carried out, possibly under supervision, two field surveys for asbestos, which must include sampling, analysis and a material assessment.
• A copy of each of these two relevant reports must be submitted to BOHS within three months.

The BOHS Syllabus can be found here.