ASB/General/TBT-ASB-020
Refurbishment and Demolition Survey Requirements
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Toolbox Talk
Refurbishment and Demolition Survey Requirements
Before any refurbishment or demolition work begins on a building, a full asbestos survey must be carried out to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials. This is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Starting work without a survey puts workers at risk of uncontrolled asbestos fibre exposure, which causes mesothelioma and other fatal diseases. This talk explains the survey requirements and what you need to know before work starts.
Key Hazards
Uncontrolled asbestos fibre release from disturbing unidentified materials
Fatal lung diseases including mesothelioma from even short-term exposure
Prosecution for commencing demolition or refurbishment without an asbestos survey
Site-wide contamination requiring costly decontamination and project shutdown
Control Measures
- Commission a refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey before any intrusive work begins.
- Ensure the survey is carried out by a UKAS-accredited surveyor using the correct methodology.
- Review the survey report and identify all asbestos-containing materials in the work area.
- Remove or encapsulate all identified ACMs before refurbishment or demolition work starts.
- Brief all operatives on the survey findings and the locations of any remaining managed ACMs.
- Display the asbestos register and survey report in the site office for all workers to access.
- Stop work immediately if any suspected asbestos is found that was not identified in the survey.
- Arrange licensed removal for all licensable asbestos types before demolition proceeds.
- Update the asbestos register as work progresses and new areas are exposed.
Remember
- A refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey is legally required before any intrusive work
- The survey must be carried out by a UKAS-accredited surveyor using the correct methodology
- All identified asbestos must be removed or managed before refurbishment or demolition begins
- Stop work immediately if suspected asbestos is found that was not in the survey report
- The asbestos register must be available in the site office for all workers to access
Applicable Legislation: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 · HSG264 (Asbestos: The Survey Guide) · CDM 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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