One of the two main types of asbestos surveys, a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey (otherwise referred to as an R&D survey, previously known as a type 3 asbestos survey) involves locating, identifying and assessing the condition of all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building before refurbishment or demolition works are due to take place.
This process is best handled by a licensed asbestos survey company.
Do I Need A Refurbishment & Demolition Survey?
Significant construction or demolition work can disturb hidden ACMs within the fabric of a building, making their fibres airborne and risking exposure for building users – which can lead to serious health risks.
If your building is due to undergo significant refurbishment, maintenance or any demolition works, it is a legal requirement for the dutyholder to remove any asbestos which may be affected by your works.
What Is The Process Of A Refurbishment & Demolition Survey?
A Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Survey adopts an intrusive approach, as all ACMs must be identified as far as reasonably practicable. That’s why R&D asbestos surveys are generally required for older buildings (pre-2000) that pose a risk of containing ACMs.
Due to the invasive nature of an R&D survey, the premises must be vacant during the process. If our asbestos consultants find a material they suspect contains asbestos, we will take a small sample of the product in line with HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide.
These samples are then sent to an independent UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited laboratory, where they will be tested for the presence and type of asbestos.
Depending on the type and condition of the asbestos, some ACMs are generally safe to be left in situ, with regular compliance checks carried out. This is where our bespoke Asbestos Re-Inspection services come in, whereby ACMs left in situ at your premises will be regularly checked to ensure their condition has not worsened, and the materials do not pose a threat to health.
If the materials need remediation or removal, our specialists also have over 30 years of experience in Asbestos Removal Management, whereby our friendly and professional team can help you manage your outsourced asbestos removal contracts – by vetting removal contractors, communicating your requirements, assessing quotations, performing site audits, and much more.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found?
Before the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, the material was widely used for the construction and refurbishment of buildings. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos was particularly used within the following products:
- Asbestos floor tiles and bitumen adhesives.
- Lagging on plant and pipework.
- Insulating board products such as ceiling tiles, boxings, boards, etc.
- Asbestos cement roofing materials and rainwater goods.
- Textured coatings (asbestos in artex) and sprayed coatings on structural steelwork to insulate against fire and noise.
Asbestos can also be hidden in a building, sometimes in cavity walls for example.
What Types Of Asbestos Are There?
There are six main types of asbestos fibres, which are categorised by their appearance under a microscope. The six main types of asbestos fibres include:
- Chrysotile (white) asbestos – the only type of asbestos with serpentine fibres (soft and flexible), chrysotile white asbestos was frequently used in roofs, walls, ceilings and floors of both commercial and residential properties.
- Crocidolite (blue) asbestos – sometimes found in cement products, sprayed coatings and other insulation materials.
- Amosite (brown) asbestos – the most commonly used type of amphibole (fine and brittle fibres) asbestos, frequently used in ceiling tiles, fireproof products and gaskets due to its heat-resistant and durable qualities.
- Actinolite asbestos – can be found in cement, insulation and paint products.
- Anthophyllite asbestos – a very rare type of asbestos within the UK that can be found in insulation and construction products.
- Tremolite asbestos – another very rare type of asbestos within the UK, tremolite is a heat-resistant type of asbestos that can be woven into fabric, and was previously used in paint, sealants, insulation, roofing and plumbing materials.
What Types Of Buildings Do We Provide Asbestos Surveys For?
Get A Free Refurbishment & Demolition Survey Quote Today
If your domestic, commercial, educational, leisure, public sector or industrial property needs a Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Survey, support is always available from Pillars Environmental asbestos consultants.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to discuss your individual project requirements with you. Contact us today for more information.
