Nine reasons why you might need an asbestos survey

There are many situations in which you may require an asbestos survey; some reasons will mean you need a Management Asbestos Survey, while others can mean a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey. 

For many individuals and organisations, the first time they realise they must provide asbestos information is for one of 9 reasons, which we’ll look at in more detail below.

1. Management Asbestos Surveys 

Non-domestic properties built before 2000 have a legal duty to conduct an asbestos survey. This duty is imposed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. A management survey should discover any potential materials that contain ACMs. The management survey is the starting point for ongoing asbestos management within a property. 

 2. Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

Suppose you want to complete a refurbishment, demolition or upgrade to a property. In that case, a refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey is a legal requirement to be met where the works will be taking place. This type of survey aims to ensure that no workers will be harmed by work on ACM on the premises or equipment and that the right contractor will do such work in the right way. 

3. Asbestos Management Plan

If there is asbestos in your commercial building, you need a plan detailing how to manage the material to keep occupants, tradespeople, and visitors safe from exposure. A management plan describes how you will protect these persons from asbestos daily and is a legal requirement. 

4. Asbestos Management Plan Annual Update

Suppose you have an asbestos management plan in place which indicates the premises has asbestos-containing materials present. In that case, you will need an annual survey to keep the plan current and monitor the asbestos to show evidence of any disturbance or degradation. Annual re-inspection can be optional if you prove the risk is particularly low and demonstrate adequate controls.

5. Buying a property 

If you are buying a property (commercial or domestic, which was built pre-2000), you should ideally have an asbestos survey as it can identify any ACMs which may cause you issues later down the line. Often this is realised after a traditional building survey or at the request of the lender, who is effectively also taking some of the risks. 

6. Selling a property 

Concerning the point above, sellers will encounter the need to provide a survey when a buyer, buyer’s agent or lender makes the request. However, it is worth noting that it is not illegal to sell a house in the UK with asbestos, but if you are aware of it, you should disclose it to potential buyers. 

7. Entering a lease

If, when entering a lease, you are responsible for the maintenance of the property, then the responsibility for the asbestos, in most cases, lies with you. You should seek up-to-date information from your prospective landlord to ensure any asbestos present is in a safe condition and manageable. 

8. Landlord common areas

Suppose you are a landlord, and you look after commercial or residential properties. In that case, the legislation requires that you know about all the asbestos in those ‘common areas’ of the property you control. These areas can be overlooked, including corridors, stairwells, roof spaces, plant rooms, and car parking areas.

9. Local authority requirements 

You may have planning permission for a new development, extension, or modification to a property. As part of the process, you may be required to supply an appropriate asbestos survey to the local authority.  

 If you need advice on which type of asbestos survey you need or would like to book an asbestos survey, contact our specialist team on 01603 487777 or fill in the enquiry form on our contact us page.