Asbestos is common in buildings constructed before 2000 and still has to be considered. Whether you're a homeowner renovating or a site manager overseeing demolition, knowing your building’s asbestos status is crucial for safety and compliance.

City Environmental Services offers expert guidance to help you choose the right asbestos survey, manage asbestos-containing materials safely, and keep your projects on track.

Why the Survey Type Matters and How They Differ



Understanding the different types of asbestos surveys is vital for property owners and workers to manage asbestos risks effectively. These surveys identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and ensure safety during normal occupation, refurbishment, or demolition.

For domestic properties, surveys focus on family safety and property value, while commercial properties must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and manage asbestos legally.

Choosing the wrong survey can lead to asbestos exposure, health risks, fines, or project delays. For more details, see our blog on asbestos-related illnesses.

Management Survey - The Standard Check

Management surveys (formerly known as type 1 and 2) are the most common non-destructive sampling survey, designed to be discrete and non-intrusive. The management asbestos survey involves a visual inspection and minor intrusive work to locate ACMs and assess their condition during normal occupation. This survey supports the continued management of asbestos-containing materials by helping building users and duty holders create and maintain an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan, ensuring ongoing safety in non-domestic buildings.

• Domestic: Often required during a house sale or for general peace of mind regarding the materials in your home.
• Commercial: A legal requirement for any non-domestic premises to create an Asbestos Register.

Now, while this type of asbestos survey is the simplest, it still must be conducted and managed by a licensed asbestos surveyor due to the health risks posed by asbestos fibres.

Refurbishment Asbestos Survey - The Pre-Construction Check

Refurbishment surveys (formerly known as type 3) are inherently destructive, designed to access all areas necessary to accurately identify asbestos prior to refurbishment. This thorough approach provides a solid basis for tendering the safe removal of asbestos from the building.

• Domestic: Essential before removing walls, replacing a roof, or stripping out a bathroom.
• Commercial: A mandatory step before any office fit out or structural renovation.

Unlike a Management Survey, this looks inside the fabric of the building (voids, under floors) to ensure no hidden asbestos is disturbed by tools.

Pre-Demolition Asbestos Surveys - The Comprehensive Safety Check

Similar to refurbishment surveys, a pre-demolition asbestos survey is the most comprehensive and destructive survey type. As the building is being destroyed, surveyors can gain access to every corner of the structure. The goal is to locate every trace of asbestos before a structure is demolished.

• Domestic: Required if you are planning to tear down a detached garage, an old garden outbuilding, or even a chimney stack. It is also required if you have purchased a "fixer-upper" and plan on tearing down internal/external structures.
• Commercial: A demolition survey is a legal prerequisite under HSG264 for any demolition contractor to begin work. This applies to everything from small retail units to large industrial warehouses.

Refurbishment and demolition surveys are both very intrusive, and such work carries higher risks due to the potential disturbance of asbestos fibres, so these surveys require the area to be vacated and must be conducted by only licensed contractors or competent surveyors. 

These surveys are essential before any major refurbishment or demolition project begins, as they help duty holders comply with asbestos regulations and manage asbestos risks effectively throughout the entire project.

Conclusion

One size does not fit all. 

City Environmental Services has a dedicated surveying division offering a comprehensive range of services to help our clients comply fully with The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. With offices located across the UK, our qualified surveyors can carry out asbestos surveys quickly and efficiently nationwide. 

We ensure each survey is conducted adequately, following current guidance and method statements, whether it be a management asbestos survey, refurbishment work survey, or a demolition asbestos survey. 

Contact City Environmental Services today for expert guidance on the right asbestos survey: https://www.ces-asbestos.com/contact-us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an asbestos management survey?

An asbestos management survey aims to locate and assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during normal occupancy. It supports ongoing asbestos management by helping duty holders create or update an asbestos register and asbestos management plan to ensure a safe environment.

When is a refurbishment or demolition survey needed?

Refurbishment and demolition surveys are required before any major refurbishment or demolition work begins. This intrusive survey involves a comprehensive inspection to identify all ACMs, including those hidden within the building fabric, to prevent asbestos exposure during construction work.

What does an asbestos survey report include?

An asbestos survey report provides detailed information on the location, type, and condition of suspected ACMs found during the survey. It includes an executive summary, risk assessment, and recommendations for managing ACMs as part of an asbestos management plan.

How often should asbestos-containing materials be re-inspected?

Regular re-inspections are necessary to monitor the condition of identified ACMs and ensure continual safety. Typically, re-inspection surveys are conducted every 6 to 12 months, depending on the material type, location, and risk assessment, to update the asbestos management plan accordingly.