Asbestos Survey

A formal inspection of a building to identify the presence, location, condition, and extent of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) - required before most construction or demolition work on pre-2000 buildings.

Quick Reference

Regulation

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

Types

Management Survey (routine) and Refurbishment/Demolition Survey (pre-construction)

When required

Before any construction, refurbishment, or demolition work on pre-2000 buildings

Who can survey

UKAS-accredited surveyor

Survey validity

Management surveys reviewed regularly; R&D surveys site and project specific

Records

Survey report and asbestos register must be kept and shared with contractors

What is Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building to find, assess, and record the condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos was widely used in construction until it was fully banned in the UK in 1999 - meaning most buildings constructed before 2000 are likely to contain some form of asbestos.

There are two types of asbestos survey: a Management Survey (routine monitoring for buildings in normal use) and a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey (more intrusive, required before any significant construction, alteration, or demolition work). For construction projects, a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey must be completed - and its findings acted upon - before any work that could disturb potential ACMs begins.

Asbestos records from surveys must be kept and made available to contractors before they begin work. Failure to commission the correct survey type before construction work is an offence under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

What Happens If It's Missed?

Disturbing asbestos without a valid survey and appropriate precautions is a serious criminal offence. Asbestos-related diseases (mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer) are responsible for around 5,000 deaths per year in the UK - more than all other workplace accidents combined. The HSE treats asbestos breaches severely, including immediate prohibition of work, substantial fines, and prosecution. In post-incident investigations, failure to commission the correct survey type is one of the most serious findings.

How Construction Teams Track This

Construction companies and their clients must maintain up-to-date asbestos records and ensure these are passed to contractors before work begins. On large projects or portfolios of buildings, this involves managing multiple surveys for multiple buildings, each with their own review dates and scope limitations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is an asbestos survey required for all buildings?

A Refurbishment/Demolition Survey is required for any pre-2000 building before construction, refurbishment, or demolition work begins. For post-1999 buildings, the risk is lower (asbestos was banned in 1999) but not zero - asbestos-containing materials installed before the ban could still be present. When in doubt, survey first.

How long is an asbestos survey valid?

Management surveys require periodic review (frequency depends on the condition and disturbance risk of ACMs identified). Refurbishment/Demolition surveys are specific to the scope and location of the planned work - if the scope changes, the survey may need updating. There is no fixed validity period, but surveys must be current and relevant to the work being undertaken.