When is An Asbestos Survey Needed?

With the health hazards associated with asbestos now very clear, any work involving this fibrous material is strictly controlled. Under tightly enforced legislation such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR), asbestos surveys have become integral to building projects and facilities management & compliance. But when is an asbestos survey needed? In this blog post, we are going to determine when you need to arrange an asbestos survey, what a survey involves, why they are so important and how to arrange one.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is the process of locating Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs), identifying their exact nature and determining appropriate next steps for their management or removal. They are typically conducted by a trained professional, with the qualifications and experience to identify possible ACMs.

There are four main types of asbestos survey:

✓ Asbestos Management Surveys
✓ Asbestos Demolition Surveys
✓ Asbestos Refurbishment Surveys
✓ Asbestos Reinspection surveys

Each has a specific purpose, which we will look at in the next section.

When Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

So, when is an asbestos survey needed?

1. Before Buying or Selling a Property

If you are looking to buy or sell a property built before the year 2000, shortly after the use of asbestos was outlawed in the UK, you should commission an asbestos survey.

2. Prior to Renovation or Demolition

Many ACMs are harmless unless disturbed, so before any work that might disturb them such as demolitions or renovations, causing hazardous fibres to be released, a survey must be conducted to find them and devise the next steps. These surveys are known as asbestos demolition surveys and asbestos refurbishment surveys. They are crucial to protect the public, building occupants and workers.

3. For Compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

CAR2012 lays out a number of stipulations for non-domestic properties as well as the common areas of some domestic properties, such as hallways and shared kitchens. They require ‘duty holders’, who are usually landlords, employers and building managers, to arrange relevant asbestos surveys for properties built before 2000. Not only do surveys ensure legal compliance for the duty holders, but they also protect building occupants, the public and workers.

4. If ACMs are Suspected or Damaged

If you notice that ACMs may be present at your property, or suspect that they might have become damaged, you should order an asbestos survey immediately to assess the material and identified if any remedial action is required.

5. During Property Maintenance

Even routine maintenance can disturb ACMs, causing them to become hazardous. Before conducting any maintenance on a building constructed before 2000, a survey should be arranged to determine whether the work can be carried out safely without disturbing any ACMs. If it cannot, the ACMs may need to be removed before work can begin.

What Type of Asbestos Survey Do I Need?

• Asbestos Management Survey - As part of the ongoing safe management of existing ACMs in a commercial or shared domestic property.
• Asbestos Demolition Survey - Prior to demolition works on any property of any age.
• Asbestos Refurbishment Survey - Before renovation or refurbishment works – can be limited to just the affected area of the property.
• Asbestos Reinspection Survey - At a minimum of every 12 months to reinspect previously identified materials in the management survey.

Why is an Asbestos Survey Important?

Asbestos surveys are crucial for several reasons, and the consequences of neglecting them can be serious.

Legal Penalties – Surveys are mandated under the CAR, and failure to comply can result in substantial fines and even prison sentences.

Health Risks – If not properly managed or unknowingly disturbed, ACMs can release fibres into the air, presenting a range of serious health risks including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Even a quarter of a century after it was outlawed, asbestos still causes around 5,000 deaths a year in the UK alone.

Project Delays – Being aware of ACMs and having an action plan in place before you start work will be a lot less disruptive and much safer than finding them mid-project. This can result in lengthy and costly stoppages and puts workers at risk.

How to Arrange an Asbestos Survey

Now you know the answer to ‘When is an asbestos survey needed?’ You can begin the process of booking yours.

1. Choose a UKAS-Accredited Provider – Key to ensuring an accurate, reliable survey is choosing a UKAS accredited provider, backed by relevant experience and with staff qualified to P402 standards.
2. Determine the Type of Survey Needed – Using the information in the table above, select which type of asbestos survey you need. If you are unsure, your provider can advise you on this.
3. Book Your Survey – Agree a date for your survey with your chosen provider.
4. Receive Your Detailed Report – After your survey is completed, you will be issued with a report detailing the location and type of any ACMs at your property as well as relevant next steps.

Book Your Asbestos Survey Today with EMS

With years of industry experience, highly qualified teams and offices across the UK, EMS is the perfect UKAS-accredited survey provider for your premises. We offer a range of asbestos surveys in Worcester. Hereford, Cardiff & and across the surrounding areas, thanks to P402-certified, DBS-checked teams of expert asbestos surveyors.

To book your survey today, call us on 01432 263333, email us at info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form here.