Who is qualified to survey asbestos in Japan?

Buildings (建築物)

For applicable work starting on or after October 1, 2023, confirm a building-material asbestos surveyor qualification covering the building and scope. The detached-house category has a limited scope.

Work structures (工作物)

Requirements applying from January 1, 2026 distinguish official work-structure classes. Classes 1–10 and 11–17 do not necessarily use the same eligible qualification group.

Steel vessels (鋼製船舶)

Use the official vessel route and effective-date guidance. Do not infer eligibility from a building qualification.

• Ask for the exact Japanese qualification name.
• Check scope and effective date.
• Retain evidence with the survey record.

Ask about the person assigned to your survey

Please identify the person who will carry out the survey, their exact Japanese qualification name and the scope it covers for our asset and work. Please explain how their name and role will appear in the survey report. If the assigned person changes, please send the replacement person's details before the visit.

Useful labels for this request are assigned person (担当者), qualification name (資格名) and course completion certificate (修了証明書). Request the relevant scope information through the provider's normal process; do not publish a person's certificate or unnecessary personal details.

Example: a company advertises qualified staff

Suppose a provider's website lists qualified employees, but the estimate does not name the surveyor for your project. The website alone does not establish who is assigned or whether their qualification covers the work. Ask for the assigned person's role and scope, then compare that information with the project description and the applicable official guidance. This hypothetical example concerns evidence to request, not an assessment of a provider or a certificate.