This type of survey should be carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition works. It is used to locate and describe, as far as is reasonably practicable all asbestos containing materials within the areas surveyed. This type of survey should normally only be conducted in unoccupied areas.
Refurbishment & Demolition Asbestos Surveys
Fully Intrusive Inspection
An Asbestos Refurbishment / Demolition survey is fully intrusive and involves destructive inspection, where necessary, to gain access to all areas of the building structure likely to be disturbed during proposed works. A full sampling program will be undertaken to identify asbestos containing materials and estimates of quantity will be recorded. The survey is primarily designed to identify asbestos containing materials so that they can be removed in preparation for refurbishment or demolition.
The intrusive inspection techniques used in undertaking Refurbishment / Demolition Asbestos Surveys will cause damage to the fabric of the building being surveyed as all parts of the building fabric will need to be accessed to make a comprehensive assessment.
It should be noted that in some cases asbestos containing materials may be concealed within the fabric of a building which can only be positively identified once demolition has actually begun. Additional consultation/site visits may be required in such instances.
A Refurbishment / Demolition survey can be undertaken to specific areas of a building affected by proposed works, e.g. re-wiring, plumbing works.
Comprehensive Report
A comprehensive report is produced detailing the location, condition, material assessment and recommendations for remediation of asbestos materials identified, including photographic records and annotated plans. This information can be used by Asbestos Removal Contractors to form the basis of tenders for Asbestos Removal, however a site visit by the contractor will still be required.
‘The survey must locate and identify all ACM’s (Asbestos Containing Materials) before any structural work begins at a stated location or on stated equipment at the premises. An effective Refurbishment / Demolition survey will involve intrusive inspection techniques and may need to be phased with further controls where asbestos disturbance is required in order to access concealed areas. The area surveyed must be vacated during the survey and certified ‘fit for reoccupation’ after the survey.’ – HSE Managing Asbestos