Asbestos Surveys for Listed & Historic Buildings
Most buildings which are currently referred to as listed or historic, were constructed before the use of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) was made commonplace in the UK construction industry and across the world. However, this does not mean that you would not find ACMs within these listed buildings now, as many will have had upgrades and refurbishment works to make them safe for human use and so on.
As health and safety standards have changed over the years, asbestos surveys for listed buildings can pose a unique challenge as they were built in a time which did not adhere to modern regulations. For example, high ceilings and more confined spaces make it difficult to accurately test for asbestos, compared to buildings constructed in the 1900’s by comparison. However, if you’re the dutyholder for a listed building, such as a museum or a church, it is essential that you understand your responsibilities when it comes to the presence and management of asbestos in your premises (according to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012). Failure to do so could result in large fines and other penalties as a consequence.
Here at Pillars Environmental, we are expert asbestos consultants who understand the complexities of working with listed and historic buildings, as well as commercial and domestic properties. We undertake three types of asbestos surveys for listed buildings across England, including: Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys (R&D), Asbestos Management Surveys (AMS) and Asbestos Re-Inspections.
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Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys For Listed Buildings
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys, formerly referred to as Type 3 asbestos surveys, are required when very significant building works are due to take place within your listed building. Though this may be less common in the case of listed buildings, there may be partial works which take place on the premises which still require an R&D survey to ensure complete compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as preservation regulations too.
Refurbishment and Demolition surveys typically take an invasive approach to asbestos sampling, and it’s essential that the suspected locations with ACMs present are fully vacated whilst the survey is being undertaken. Our professional team of asbestos surveyors have plenty of experience surveying listed buildings, and will extract samples of the ACMs within your property in line with the guidance set out by the HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide.
We will then package and post the suspected ACMs to a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited lab for asbestos testing. From here, it will then be confirmed whether or not asbestos is present, and if so, what the next steps are to ensure it is controlled appropriately.
‘The duty to manage covers all non-domestic premises. Such premises include all industrial, commercial or public buildings such as factories, warehouses, education, shops, hospitals and schools.’
Asbestos Management Surveys For Listed Buildings
Asbestos Management Surveys for listed buildings use less intrusive sampling techniques than an R&D survey, potentially helping to keep your historic building in its best state whilst investigations are ongoing. Formally regarded as a Type 2 asbestos survey, Asbestos Management Surveys could be a more suitable option for your historic listed building due to its more discreet methods of sampling and ability to be completed with any users still present within the premises.
The testing methods are the same as an R&D survey, despite the sampling techniques being less invasive. At Pillars Environmental, we work with the most reliable UKAS-accredited labs to process and inspect the extracted samples from your listed building. Our asbestos surveyors can then advise you on how to appropriately manage any ACMs in your building through an Asbestos Management Plan or other asbestos removal management services.
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Asbestos Re-Inspection Surveys For Listed Buildings
In addition to a R&D or an AMS, we also offer an asbestos re-inspection service for your historic listed building if the ACMs are required to have regular inspections. If the ACMs are in an agreeable condition, we may advise that they remain in situ, but are reinspected regularly by an asbestos re-inspection service provider like ourselves. In doing this, we can check that the ACMs are aligned with vital health and safety legislation surrounding asbestos, and for your own peace of mind as the building dutyholder.
Asbestos re-inspections are often recommended as a point of action within an Asbestos Management Plan. The management plan details how to properly manage the ACMs present within your listed building and may advise that asbestos re-inspection surveys are undertaken periodically to ensure the condition of ACMs have not deteriorated since last checked.
Asbestos Surveys For Listed Buildings FAQs
Where is asbestos commonly found listed buildings?
For listed buildings which have been modernised with ACMs either for fireproofing or insulation, for example, it’s common to find it in:
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- Fuse boxes
- Risers and claddings
- Fire doors
- Boilers, pipework and insulation.
- Floor tiles
How long will an asbestos survey take?
Depending on the areas where asbestos is suspected to be present, the size and scale of the listed building, area access/preservation limitations and so on, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. Whether it’s one section, or multiple, this can vary greatly depending on the size, condition and age of the wider building in question – as well as the type of survey required. Get in touch with us today for a free quote.
What is the cost of an asbestos survey?
The cost of an asbestos survey will also vary depending on the individual requirements of your individual location(s), including: the location of suspected ACMs, any specialist equipment needed and numerous other factors too. The best way to get an accurate idea of pricing is to contact our expert team today!
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Areas We Offer Asbestos Surveys
ASBESTOS
SURVEYS
We undertake Asbestos Management Surveys and Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys, both of which are HSG264-compliant…
ASBESTOS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Our Asbestos Management Plans detail how you can manage asbestos in your property, in line with legislation…
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We can oversee Asbestos Removal projects to ensure a thorough, safe and compliant job is being undertaken…
