Question 1

Do I need an asbestos survey for my property?

Accepted Answer

If your property was built or refurbished before the year 2000, it may contain asbestos materials. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), duty holders of non-domestic premises have a legal obligation to manage asbestos through the 'Duty to Manage' (Regulation 4). This requires you to identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), maintain an asbestos register, and implement a management plan. Even for domestic properties, a survey is strongly recommended before any renovation, refurbishment, or demolition work to protect occupants and contractors.

Question 2

What's the difference between a Management Survey and a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey?

Accepted Answer

A Management Survey is designed for occupied buildings during normal use. It locates asbestos materials that could be disturbed during everyday activities, maintenance, or minor works. The survey is primarily visual with minor intrusion where necessary. A Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Survey is fully intrusive and sometimes destructive, accessing all areas including voids, cavities, and structural elements. It's required before any refurbishment, structural work, or demolition to identify ALL asbestos present in the work area. R&D surveys involve more extensive access and disruption than management surveys.

Question 3

How long does an asbestos survey take?

Accepted Answer

Survey duration depends on property size, complexity, and survey type. A typical domestic Management Survey for a 3-bedroom house takes 2-4 hours on-site. Larger commercial properties may require a full day or multiple visits. Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys take longer due to their intrusive nature, often 1-3 days depending on the scope of planned works. Following the site visit, laboratory analysis of samples typically takes 3-5 working days, with full reports delivered within 5-7 working days. Expedited services are available for urgent projects.

Question 4

What qualifications should asbestos surveyors have?

Accepted Answer

All Asbestosurv surveyors hold BOHS P402 (Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings) as a minimum qualification. This ensures competency in survey methodology, sampling techniques, risk assessment, and report writing in accordance with HSG264. Our surveyors maintain ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to stay current with legislation, best practice, and emerging guidance. We also ensure our team understands the latest HSE consultations and regulatory updates affecting asbestos management in the UK.

Question 5

Can I remove asbestos myself?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly advised NOT to remove asbestos yourself. Licensed asbestos removal work (involving insulation, coatings, or large quantities) MUST be carried out by HSE-licensed contractors. Some lower-risk work may be classified as Non-Licensed Work (NLW) or Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW), but still requires proper training, risk assessment, appropriate PPE, controlled methods, and often HSE notification. Improper disturbance of asbestos releases dangerous fibres causing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Always consult a qualified asbestos professional before attempting any work that could disturb ACMs.

Question 6

How much does an asbestos survey cost?

Accepted Answer

Survey costs vary based on property type, size, access requirements, and survey scope. Domestic Management Surveys typically start from £200-£400 for smaller residential properties. Larger homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites cost more depending on floor area and complexity. Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys are priced based on the specific scope of intrusive investigation required. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your property and requirements. Contact us on 07704 885084 or via our online form for an accurate quotation.

Question 7

What happens if asbestos is found in my property?

Accepted Answer

If asbestos is identified, it doesn't necessarily require immediate removal. Many ACMs in good condition can be safely managed in situ through regular monitoring and protection from disturbance. Your survey report will include a material risk assessment, priority risk rating, and recommendations. Options include: leaving undisturbed and monitoring; encapsulation (sealing); enclosure (boxing in); or removal. The decision depends on material type, condition, location, likelihood of disturbance, and planned works. We provide clear guidance on the most appropriate and cost-effective course of action for your specific circumstances.

Question 8

How often should asbestos be re-inspected?

Accepted Answer

Re-inspection frequency depends on material condition and risk level. HSG264 and CAR 2012 recommend periodic re-inspections, typically every 6-12 months for most properties. Higher-risk materials or those in poor condition may require more frequent monitoring (e.g., every 3-6 months). Lower-risk materials in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed may be inspected annually. Your asbestos register should specify re-inspection intervals based on individual material assessments. Regular monitoring ensures early detection of damage, deterioration, or changes in condition requiring action.

Question 9

Do you provide UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All material samples collected during our surveys are analyzed by UKAS-accredited laboratories meeting ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Analysis is conducted using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM), the gold standard method for asbestos identification. UKAS accreditation provides independent verification of laboratory competence, accuracy, and reliability. Laboratory certificates detail asbestos type, percentage content, and fiber identification, providing legally defensible evidence for regulatory compliance, property transactions, and risk management decisions.

Question 10

What is the Duty to Manage asbestos?

Accepted Answer

The Duty to Manage is a legal requirement under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). It applies to owners, landlords, managing agents, and those with maintenance responsibilities for non-domestic premises (including common areas of domestic properties). Duty holders must: identify ACMs through surveys; assess their condition and risk; create and maintain an asbestos register; prepare an asbestos management plan; provide information to anyone who might disturb ACMs; monitor condition; and review/update information regularly. Failure to comply can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and imprisonment.

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