Before any demolition or refurbishment work begins, a pre-demolition survey must be carried out to identify hazardous materials, structural condition, live services, and environmental constraints. A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is a specific legal requirement that must be completed before any intrusive work takes place. Starting demolition without completing these surveys puts workers at risk of asbestos exposure, electrocution from live services, and structural collapse.
Key Hazards
Asbestos exposure from disturbing unidentified asbestos-containing materials during demolition
Electrocution from undiscovered live electrical supplies within the structure
Structural collapse from demolishing load-bearing elements without engineering assessment
Environmental contamination from disturbing hazardous materials in the ground or structure
Control Measures
Commission a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey before any intrusive work begins.
Ensure all services including gas, electricity, water, and telecoms are confirmed isolated and disconnected.
Obtain a structural assessment from a competent engineer identifying load-bearing elements and stability risks.
Review the survey findings and incorporate all identified hazards into the demolition method statement.
Remove or encapsulate all identified asbestos materials before demolition work commences.
Brief all operatives on the survey findings, hazardous material locations, and required precautions.
Ensure the survey has covered all areas of the building including voids, basements, and roof spaces.
Check for contaminated ground and ground gas risks around the building's foundations.
Keep survey reports available on site for reference throughout the demolition works.
Remember
A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is a legal requirement before any invasive work begins.
All services must be confirmed isolated and disconnected before demolition starts — never assume.
Structural assessment identifies which elements are load-bearing and the safe demolition sequence.
Asbestos must be removed by licensed contractors before demolition work can proceed.
Survey reports must cover all areas including hidden voids, basements, and spaces above ceilings.
Starting demolition without proper surveys is illegal and puts every worker on site at serious risk.
Applicable Legislation: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 · CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 6187 (Code of Practice for Demolition) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974