Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos Surveys

Often carried out by asbestos services, asbestos surveys help evaluate the risk posed by asbestos in properties. Read on to find out everything you need to know.



Why should I get an asbestos survey?

Any industrial structure, commercial building, residential building or house constructed between the 1850 and 1999 can still pose a risk to the occupants or workers who live or reside within them. UK regulations require you to conduct asbestos surveys on buildings constructed within this time period. An asbestos survey is designed to assess the asbestos risk in specific premises. Materials containing asbestos are commonly referred to as asbestos containing materials (ACM). The aim of an asbestos survey is to make a materials assessment and:

●    Find ACM and record what it is, where it is and its quantity

●    Assess its accessibility, condition and any surface treatment required

●    Identify and confirm the asbestos types present within your building

●    Recommend a course of action to ensure that the ACM is dealt with in the safest way

 These surveys are necessary if you are occupying, buying, selling or demolishing a building deemed at risk. Asbestos surveys are also performed as a health and safety check for people working or living in the building.

What are the legal requirements?

For those who own or manage commercial properties, there is a responsibility to protect employees and customers from the harms associated with asbestos. This is outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. It covers non domestic properties and industrial or commercial buildings such as factories, warehouses, offices, shops, hospitals and care homes. Common areas of domestic properties such as blocks of flats are also covered, like stairwells, corridors, lifts, roof spaces and yards.

While you won’t be legally obliged to have asbestos information on your own home, an asbestos survey will cover any maintenance and renovation workers if you decide to undergo any maintenance.

What are the different types of asbestos surveys?

There are varying types of asbestos surveys fit for different purposes:

Asbestos management survey

Management asbestos surveys (or Type 2 asbestos survey) are standard inspection surveys carried out in compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for all commercial and industrial property and also for those buying or disposing of property. A management survey is designed to monitor asbestos containing materials during the normal occupation and use of a building. It will aim to identify any ACM that could be disturbed during day-to-day activities, prolonged maintenance and the installation of new equipment.

This survey aims to reduce disruption to the building’s structure and is generally non intrusive.

Asbestos refurbishment survey

This type of survey (also known as a Type 3 asbestos survey) refers to when the premises, or a section of it, need updating, refurbishing or demolishing. An asbestos refurbishment survey will need to be commissioned by owners, managers and occupiers prior to minor and major fit-outs and strip-out work.

It is more intrusive than a management survey and can cause more disturbance. Damage will likely occur to elements of the property in order to inspect the fabric of the building, meaning this type of survey can only usually be undertaken in a vacant property and one which is owned by the person or company commissioning the survey.

At Gowrie Contracts Ltd, our team have an abundance of experience when it comes to asbestos testing, removals and surveys. Whether you need removal or asbestos testing in Fife, we’re the team for you. We’re proud to be an accredited member of the Asbestos Control & Abatement Division (ACAD), giving you that extra peace of mind that we’re the right people for the job. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.