Who Needs an Asbestos Survey?
Whether you manage or own non-domestic properties, it’s crucial to have an asbestos management plan in place to protect everyone who uses your building. This includes offices, shops, public buildings like schools and libraries, and even common areas in residential buildings.
Understanding who is responsible for managing asbestos in your property—whether it’s you, your landlord, or a managing agent—is key. We offer comprehensive asbestos surveys to help you establish a management plan, assess any present asbestos, and ensure your property is safe and compliant.
For non-domestic properties
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 state that any non-domestic building must have an asbestos management plan in place to comply with statute law. In this context, non-domestic is defined as being any building that is used solely for commercial purposes such as a shop, office or factory. It also applies to buildings that are used by the general public including schools, libraries, council offices and more. Additionally, any blocks of flats also require a management plan for common areas such as corridors, stairs, lifts and gardens.
The plan is put in place to protect anyone who works in or enters the building from being exposed to asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACMs). The easiest way to create a management plan is to have a survey carried out.
Even if you are just the tenant of a non-domestic property it can be worth checking through your tenancy agreement thoroughly to check who is responsible for creating the management plan and managing the asbestos. It may be the case that the duty falls to the landlord or the managing agent, but don’t assume this will be the case. If you are responsible for asbestos management then you need to take steps as soon as possible.
At Crucial Environmental we offer a range of asbestos surveys. The following surveys could be perfect for businesses and owners of non-domestic properties:
- Management Survey – these surveys are often the first step taken by building and business owners in creating their asbestos management plan. As a part of the survey we will locate and sample any asbestos and ACMs, these samples will then be analysed so we can understand their current condition. We will then submit these findings in a report to you, providing recommendations on how to control and mitigate the risk
- Refurbishment and Demolition Survey – these surveys are ideal if you’re having renovation works carried out, or having either the whole or a portion of your property demolished. Using destructive and intrusive techniques, we will uncover asbestos that is hidden in the fabric of the building.
- Re-inspection Survey – if you have asbestos on your property, it needs to be properly managed. A part of this management involves regular re-inspection to check whether the condition of the asbestos has changed or deteriorated.
For domestic properties
Whether you are buying a new home or have uncovered concerns in your current property it can be very important to have an asbestos survey carried out in a residential environment. You should also remember that any building built before 2000 could potentially contain asbestos.
The following surveys may be needed for residential and domestic properties:
- Homebuyer Asbestos Survey – if you’re buying a property and are concerned about the extent of asbestos and ACMs, a home buyer asbestos survey can provide you with a full breakdown and analysis of any asbestos on the site along with estimates of remedial costs. While a standard pre-purchase survey will note the presence of asbestos, it will not going into detail on the condition of the material – only with a full asbestos survey can you get a real understanding of the specifics.
- Management Survey – if you have any reason to suspect that there may be asbestos at your home, it’s important to have an asbestos survey carried out as soon as possible. This is especially true if the asbestos is at risk of being disturbed or damaged. Having a survey can ascertain whether asbestos is present, and the report will then advice on potential next steps in terms of management or removal.
FAQs
Who needs an asbestos survey?
Anyone managing or owning non-domestic properties such as offices, shops, public buildings like schools and libraries, and common areas in residential buildings must have an asbestos survey to create a management plan.
What is an asbestos management plan?
An asbestos management plan is a documented strategy required by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to manage the risk associated with asbestos in non-domestic buildings, ensuring all occupants are protected from exposure.
Is an asbestos survey required for residential properties?
If you are buying a home or suspect asbestos in your current residence, especially in buildings constructed before 2000, an asbestos survey is crucial to determine the presence and condition of asbestos.
What types of asbestos surveys are available?
For non-domestic properties, we offer Management Surveys, Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys, and Re-inspection Surveys. For domestic properties, we provide Homebuyer Asbestos Surveys and Management Surveys.
What is the purpose of a Management Survey?
The Management Survey is the first step in creating an asbestos management plan. It involves locating and sampling any asbestos or ACMs, analysing them, and reporting their condition to help manage any risks.
What does a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey involve?
This survey is necessary if you’re planning renovations or demolition. It uses destructive techniques to uncover any asbestos hidden within the building’s structure to ensure safety during construction works.
Why is a Re-inspection Survey important?
If your property has known asbestos, regular re-inspections are needed to check if the condition of the asbestos has changed or deteriorated, ensuring ongoing management and compliance with safety standards.
Who is responsible for conducting an asbestos survey in a leased non-domestic property?
Responsibility can vary; it’s essential to check your tenancy agreement. It might be the landlord, managing agent, or the tenant. Never assume others are responsible without confirming.
What does a Homebuyer Asbestos Survey include?
This survey provides a detailed analysis of any asbestos in a residential property you’re planning to buy. It includes the extent of asbestos presence, condition assessment, and potential remediation costs, offering a comprehensive understanding beyond standard pre-purchase surveys.
How can I arrange for an asbestos survey?
Contact Crucial Environmental to discuss your needs for an asbestos survey. You can reach us by calling 01903 297818 or emailing info@crucial-enviro.co.uk.
Contact us
For more information on any of asbestos surveys mentioned above or to talk through your requirements, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Crucial Environmental today. You can call us on 01903 297818 or email info@crucial-enviro.co.uk.