Frequently Asked Questions

Asbestos is a group of 6 naturally occurring sillicate minerals present in rock in the form of fibres. These rocks are mined and processed to extract the asbestos fibres. Asbestos has high resistance to heat and chemicals as well as other good properties such as its fibre strength. These properties made asbestos very popular for industries such as construction, manufacturing and chemical industries. In the year of 1973 asbestos imports to the UK peaked at around 195,000 tons of raw asbestos fibres. It is believed that around 6 million tons of raw asbestos fibres have been imported into the UK since the 1800`s.

An asbestos survey can come in several forms, the correct type is dependent on each individual situation. Below is a list of each asbestos survey and when you would need it. Properties built after the year 2000 do not require an asbestos survey.

• Asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey – This is required before any demolition works or refurbishment works (adding extensions, removing walls, re-wire ect). This type of survey requires intrusions to establish if there is any materials hidden from view (behind partition walls, under floor coverings, above ceilings ect)

• Asbestos management survey – This type of survey covers general occupancy and maintenance of a building / site. As such no major intrusions will be undertaken to keep the integrity and aesthetics of the areas being surveyed, visual checks only to take place. (checking anywhere without damage, above ceiling tiles, surface checks of materials ect)

• Asbestos reinspection survey – This survey is undertaken with the information collected from the R&D / management. This survey will highlight the asbestos containing items found from the previous reports, these items will then be reinspected by the surveyor periodically (depending on assessment) to check the materials have not changed in any way that could cause the spread of asbestos.

Every quotation we produce has been costed specific to the building / site in question.

Asbestos surveys within commercial properties are a legal requirement under the control of asbestos regulations 2012. A duty holder should be appointed (this could be the building owner or designated person) and that person has a duty to prevent the spread of asbestos by managing any asbestos containing materials (with surveys, reinspection of materials, training ect).

Asbestos surveys within domestic properties are not a legal requirement, however multiple occupancy buildings of residential nature (flats, bed sits, flats above commercial properties ect) have a duty to manage asbestos within communal areas (corridors, stairwells, bin stores ect)

Fulfilling legal obligations is only one reason to obtain an asbestos survey. Knowing that you are living or working in a safe environment and you are aware of potential dangers can give peace of mind to yourself and anyone effected by potential ACM`s.

Buildings built after the year 2000 do not require an asbestos survey. Although no building is required, it is known that asbestos contamination has occurred in buildings in the early 2000s