Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

• Commission a refurbishment and demolition survey before any intrusive works.
• Use only UKAS-accredited surveyors for all asbestos survey work.
• Ensure the survey covers all areas to be disturbed by the planned works.
• Make the survey report available to every contractor working on site.
• Include survey findings in the pre-construction information under CDM 2015.
• Stop work immediately if suspected asbestos is found that was not surveyed.
• Re-survey if the scope of works changes to include new areas.
• Keep a copy of the survey report on site for the project duration.
• Brief all operatives on asbestos locations identified in the survey.
• Follow the survey recommendations for removal or management of each material.

• DON'T start intrusive work on pre-2000 buildings without a survey.
• DON'T assume a building is asbestos-free without laboratory-confirmed results.
• DON'T use unaccredited surveyors — their reports may not be legally valid.
• DON'T ignore survey findings or fail to communicate them to contractors.
• DON'T disturb any material suspected of containing asbestos without testing.
• DON'T proceed with work if the survey does not cover your work area.
• DON'T rely on a management survey for refurbishment — a full R&D survey is needed.
• DON'T dispose of asbestos waste through normal waste streams.
• DON'T allow survey reports to be filed without being acted upon.
• DON'T treat the survey as a one-off — re-assess when work scope changes.

See also: Asbestos Awareness | Emergency Procedures (Suspected ACM)