If asbestos is suspected in a building, a demolition survey is required by law prior to demolition to locate and describe asbestos-containing materials in the area where the demolition is planned.
Demolition survey for asbestos
Pre-demolition surveys are often confused with preliminary surveys which map the demolition area and survey the building itself. Demolition surveys are focused on asbestos and are known as type 3 asbestos surveys.
Type 3 asbestos surveys involve a full survey of a building to locate as far as is reasonably practical all ACMs in the building. If there is a risk of asbestos, this is a requirement by law so steps can be taken to form an asbestos management plan.
Demolition surveys are an intrusive process. Electrical, mechanical and gas services need isolating so the survey team can access all areas safely. The process will involve pulling out walls and roofs to access cavities. It will also involve drilling and smashing an interior up if an ACM is suspected but not easily accessed externally.
How surveys impact the demolition process
Based on the information gathered, it may be necessary to remove as much asbestos-containing material by hand prior to widespread demolition. It depends on the type of demolition, the scale of the demolition, the location of the demolition and the type and amount of asbestos — greater risk means greater precautions.
As part of our demolition service, we will carry out a complete demolition survey if asbestos is suspected to ensure the asbestos is treated properly. For buildings raised between 1930 and 1980, a demolition survey is always performed.
If you have a demolition project with suspected asbestos, we can perform a demolition survey to meet your legal obligations for safety. This service is also provided alongside our demolition services. Call us today on 0113 255 8919 or email us at [email protected] to find out more.
The purpose of demolition surveys:
Find the ACMs and record what asbestos it is
Describe where the ACMs are and how much there is
