Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos1 staff are fully trained and experienced in undertaking surveys related to all of your asbestos management needs, in accordance with UK legal and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements, as set out in the HSE’s HSG264 guidance.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, all commercial buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000 must have an asbestos survey to determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present, where they are and in what condition.

In addition, for domestic properties, mortgage lenders increasingly require evidence of the presence and condition of asbestos, and so domestic management surveys are also becoming more common.

Communal areas in blocks of flats where there is a share of freehold also require a survey (a Fire Risk Assessment).

MANAGEMENT SURVEYS

A management survey is a standard survey that needs to be carried out to ensure the continued safe management of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building.

The survey usually involves sampling and analysis to confirm the presence or absence of ACMs. This type of survey can be undertaken with a presumption of the presence or absence of ACMs, and with or without sampling. This is a usually a non-intrusive survey, including air monitoring, although there may be some damage to the building fabric during the material sampling procedures. We then ensure that any materials found during the survey are fully tested for asbestos materials by an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory.

On completion, Asbestos1 staff will compile an asbestos register, conduct a risk assessment, and then provide the client with advice and recommendations on what action to take.

REFURBISHMENT AND DEMOLITION SURVEYS

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Construction, Design & Management Regulations 2007, it is a legal requirement that a survey be undertaken before any refurbishment, rebuilding or demolition work can begin at a site. This survey should be done as early as possible in the process, as some asbestos materials are categorised as licensed by the Health and Safety Executive – this means that a 14-day notification period is mandatory, as is the formal notification of works before the removal of asbestos can begin.

The aim of this survey is to find and describe all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work will take place, or in the whole building in the case of demolition. This type of survey is intrusive and will involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach.