If you own or run a property that was built before 2000, there may be asbestos containing materials (ACMs) located within its structure. Therefore, you must keep this in mind for any building work that takes place, and you’ll need an Asbestos Management Plan prepared if you’re in commercial premises. While most asbestos can be left in situ to keep it undisturbed, there may be times you require an asbestos survey.

Here’s everything you need to know about whether you need one.

What Is an Asbestos Survey?

Asbestos surveys are used to identify where asbestos is present within a property and its extent. Surveys are regularly performed at businesses who need to update their Asbestos Management Plan to ensure the building remains a safe environment for others. Just because there are ACMs present in a property, it doesn’t mean they need removing.

If you’re about to undertake a project where asbestos could be disturbed, such as a refurbishment, an asbestos survey should be carried out to establish the best course of action. This ensures the environment remains safe for those living, visiting or working at the property. It may just be that the work needs a small amount of asbestos sampling and testing to confirm its location and type.

Types of Asbestos Survey

There are several types of asbestos survey you can have carried out. One of the most common types is an Asbestos Management Survey. This will identify the presence and extent of ACMs within a building which could be disturbed during the typical day to day use of the property, including any maintenance work or repairs taking place. It aims to highlight the health hazards of ACMs within the building to help commercial properties create their Asbestos Management Plan.

Another type of asbestos survey is an Asbestos Demolition Survey, which should be completed before a refurbishment or demolition takes place. This involves much more intrusive testing that a standard Asbestos Management Survey, accessing hard to reach spots, such as within walls and underneath the flooring.

How Often Are Surveys Required?

How often asbestos surveys are required will depend on changes within the property. For commercial properties where ACMs are present, re-inspection surveys should take place every 6 to 12 months to monitor their condition. A survey should also take place before any major refurbishments are carried out.

For domestic dwellings, an asbestos survey may only be required if you need to find out whether there is asbestos present before work takes place. If you already know you need it removed, such as for an asbestos garage roof removal, you can use a specialist for the job.

Are you looking for an asbestos specialist?

At Goodbye Asbestos, we offer a wide range of solutions from asbestos surveys, sampling and testing to garage roof and shed removals. We work across London, Surrey and the Home Counties, including Addiscombe, Addlestone and Aldershot. Contact us if you’d like to know more about our asbestos removal and collection services.