Most asbestos registers give every item a material score. It comes from the material assessment set out in HSE guidance HSG264, and it is the quickest way to see which items need attention first.
What goes into the score
The material assessment looks at four things about the item itself, each given a number:
- Product type: what the material is, from asbestos cement to lagging and sprayed coatings.
- Extent of damage: from good condition to high damage or visible debris.
- Surface treatment: whether it is sealed, enclosed or unsealed.
- Asbestos type: based on the type of asbestos identified or presumed.
Added together, these give a score between 2 and 12.
The four bands
- 10 or more: high
- 7 to 9: medium
- 5 to 6: low
- 4 or less: very low
Why one point matters
The score moves when the condition moves. Pipe lagging that was sealed last year and has cracked sealant this year can go from 9 to 10, and from medium to high. That is the kind of change a re-inspection is there to catch, and why our reports list changed scores first.
The material score describes the item. How likely it is to be disturbed, which depends on how the area is used, is considered separately when you plan what to do.
Questions about the scores on your own register? Call 020 3386 1854.
