Asbestos Surveys
Our qualified and experienced teams in London, Kent, Essex and Sussex undertake asbestos surveys & inspections in all types of premises including domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.
What is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is a professional inspection carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor to identify the presence, location, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building.
This thorough examination typically includes both visible areas and concealed locations, such as within walls, floors, or ceilings, to ensure no potential hazards are overlooked..
The primary purpose of an asbestos survey is to assess any risks posed by ACMs and to provide clear recommendations to protect occupants and workers from exposure to these dangerous materials..
All asbestos surveys are undertaken in accordance with the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)’s P402 Building Surveys and Bulk Sampling qualification.
What Happens During an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey involves a detailed on-site inspection carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor, fully versed in current regulations and safety standards.
The surveyor will systematically examine areas such as ceilings, walls, floors, and other potential locations where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present.
The process often includes taking notes, capturing photographs, and collecting samples for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos.
If the surveyor identifies suspected ACMs, small samples are carefully taken and sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis. The laboratory determines the type(s) of asbestos present and provides a bulk certificate of analysis, which outlines the results.
This process ensures a thorough understanding of any asbestos risks within the property and forms the basis for appropriate management or removal strategies.
Conducting an asbestos survey is not just a legal obligation but a critical step in protecting health and safety and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Once the inspection is complete, the surveyor will compile a comprehensive report detailing their findings, including the type, condition, and location of any ACMs identified. The report will also include clear recommendations for managing or safely removing hazardous materials to ensure compliance and safety.
What Happens After an Asbestos Survey?
The results of an asbestos survey form the basis for creating and implementing an effective asbestos management plan.
This plan includes a detailed inventory of the building’s asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), an assessment of their condition, and a clear strategy for managing any identified risks.
By following a robust management plan, building owners and operators can safeguard the health and safety of workers, visitors, and occupants, minimising the risk of asbestos exposure and preventing the disturbance of hazardous materials.
Moreover, maintaining an up-to-date asbestos survey report is essential for complying with current health and safety regulations and ensuring legal accountability.
Asbestos Management Surveys
An Asbestos Management Survey (previously known as Type 2 asbestos surveys) is a standard inspection designed to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
It applies to all commercial and industrial properties, as well as those being bought, sold, or leased.
This type of survey is typically non-intrusive but includes the sampling of suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis to confirm the presence and type of asbestos.
For businesses, whether leaseholders or freeholders, this survey identifies any ACMs within the property, evaluates their condition, and clarifies the legal responsibilities required to comply with the regulations.
If you need to conduct an asbestos survey for management purposes or to produce an asbestos register for insurance, compliance, or inspections by authorities such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or Environmental Health, this is the appropriate survey.
The survey also ensures compliance with Regulation 4: “Duty to Manage,” which mandates that all commercial and industrial properties, and some residential properties built before 2002, must be assessed for asbestos, regardless of their size.
Asbestos Management Surveys |
Asbestos Re-inspection Surveys |
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys |
| Locates the presence of any suspect ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed | Have you already had an asbestos management survey and ACM or suspected ACM has been identified? | Do you have any refurbishment or demolition work due to be carried out? |
| Includes an assessment of the condition of the ACMs and their ability to release fibres into the air if disturbed | Continual monitoring post asbestos survey is required at regular intervals to check that it has not deteriorated or caused damage | Locates and describes all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work or demolition will take place |
| Gives a good initial guide to the management of ACMs | As a minimum, ACMs should be checked every six to twelve months. | There is a specific requirement in CAR 2012 (regulation 7) for all ACMs to be removed before major refurbishment or final demolition |
| Involves sampling and analysis to confirm the presence or absence of ACM |
Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
An Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Survey (previously known as Type 3 asbestos surveys) is mandatory for properties undergoing significant refurbishment, demolition, or a combination of both.
This survey is essential for professionals, occupiers, and management agents involved in minor or major fit-out and strip-out projects.
It must be completed before work begins to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, HSG264 guidelines, and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations).
The primary objective of this survey is to identify asbestos containing materials (ACMs) that may be disturbed during the works so they can be managed or safely removed in line with legal requirements.
This process helps prevent asbestos exposure and ensures the safety of all involved. The survey applies to all property types including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use, regardless of size or purpose.
Refurbishment and demolition surveys are highly intrusive and involve examining the building’s fabric, often requiring destructive inspection methods. Consequently, this type of survey is typically conducted in vacant properties owned by the individual or organisation commissioning the survey, as significant damage may occur during the process.
Read about the advanced technology used behind the scenes of asbestos surveying using TEAMS
Speak to one of our asbestos specialists on 01622 919012 or request a free quote
Comprehensive Survey Reports
Our asbestos survey reports include all the essential details you need for safe refurbishment or demolition projects.
Each report contains:
- Material Assessment Risk Ratings: Evaluations for each occurrence of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) to assess the potential risk.
- Recommendations: Clear guidance on how to manage, remove, or safely handle identified materials.
- Visual Documentation: Photographs and highlighted floor plans (where applicable) to pinpoint ACM locations and ensure clarity for all stakeholders.
This detailed information is invaluable for contractors and professionals involved in refurbishment or demolition works, ensuring compliance and safety at every stage.
If you’re unsure about the type of asbestos survey you need, our experienced surveyors are available to discuss your specific requirements and guide you through the process.
Please see below an example refurbishment asbestos survey using TEAMS
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
The most significant risks arise when ACMs are damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic asbestos fibres into the air. Once inhaled, these fibres can cause serious health conditions, including:
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma (a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen)
- Asbestosis (chronic lung scarring)
- Kidney Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer
Given these risks, identifying and managing asbestos properly is crucial to safeguard the health of building occupants and workers. You can read more about why asbestos is dangerous in our comprehensive article.
Reasons to Conduct an Asbestos Survey
Any man-made structure, whether commercial, residential, or industrial, constructed between 1850 and 1999 may still pose a risk to occupants, tenants, or workers due to the potential presence of asbestos containing materials (ACMs).
UK regulations mandate asbestos surveys for buildings from this period in specific circumstances, including:
- Occupying a building for residential or commercial purposes.
- Buying or selling a property to assess potential risks.
- Demolishing or refurbishing a structure.
- Ensuring health and safety compliance for tenants or residents.
An asbestos surveyor’s primary role is to inspect a building for potential ACMs and assess any risks associated with them.
While asbestos fibres are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye, experienced surveyors are trained to identify materials likely to contain asbestos, such as:
- Flooring tiles
- Roofing materials
- Window caulking and sealants
- Insulation and pipe lagging
Our comprehensive survey reports include a register of ACMs, site plans photos & analyst reports.
KD Asbestos clients can log onto our web portal to gain easy access to all of their asbestos documentation.
(REF HSG 264 Regulations)
Asbestos Surveys All Across the South East
Essex
- Aveley
- Basildon
- Billericay
- Braintree
- Brentwood
- Canvey Island
- Chadwell St Mary
- Chelmsford
- Chigwell
- Clacton-on-Sea
- Colchester
- Epping
- Grays
- Halstead
- Harlow
- Harwich
- Loughton
- Maldon
- Rayleigh
- Rochford
- Saffron Walden
- South Woodham Ferrers
- Southend-on-Sea
- Stanford-le-Hope
- Tilbury
- Tiptree
- Waltham Abbey
- Walton-on-the-Naze
- Wickford
- Witham
East & West Sussex
- Burgess Hill
- East Grinstead
- Bexhill-on-Sea
- Bognor Regis
- Brighton
- Chichester
- Crawley
- Crowborough
- Eastbourne
- Hailsham
- Hastings
- Haywards Heath
- Horsham
- Hurstpierpoint
- Lewes
- Littlehampton
- Newhaven
- Peacehaven
- Polegate
- Portslade-by-Sea
- Saltdean
- Seaford
- Selsey
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Southwick
- St Leonards
- Uckfield
- Westergate
- Woodingdean
- Worthing
Surrey
- Addlestone
- Ashtead
- Banstead
- Camberley
- Caterham
- Cobham
- Cranleigh
- Dorking
- Egham
- Epsom
- Esher
- Ewell
- Farnham
- Frimley
- Godalming
- Guildford
- Haslemere
- Horley
- Kingston upon Thames
- Leatherhead
- Oxted
- Redhill
- Reigate
- Staines
- Walton-on-Thames
- Warlingham
- Weybridge
- Windlesham
- Wokingham
Our Asbestos Surveyors Cover Every London Borough
Contact us for all your asbestos survey needs, wherever you're based in London or the home counties.
Do you need an asbestos survey? Let us help!
We have the capability to provide a high quality and efficient service, to locate and identify any suspect hazardous materials. Our service is fast and efficient, backed up by extremely competitive rates. So speak to KD Asbestos first!