Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys – Everything You Need to Know About Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Surveys
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in various forms for thousands of years. Due to its properties of fire, acid and electrical resistance, insulation, availability and cheapness it became very popular and was used extensively throughout the construction industry.
It was used in a multitude of different ways including flooring, roofing and thermal insulation particularly from the late 19th century when its use became widespread.
Problems occur with asbestos when it is disturbed and miniscule fibres invisible to the human eye become airborne and respirable creating a potential health hazard to anyone who becomes exposed to them.
Any building constructed prior to legislation that came into force in 2000 could contain asbestos. It is a legal requirement to remove asbestos containing materials (ACMs) prior to any refurbishment or demolition work. When contemplating any such work it is important to consult with industry professionals to ensure the right survey is carried out to identify any ACMs that may be present.
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
It is important that you are clear from the outset what type of asbestos survey you require. An asbestos management survey is designed to identify any ACMs that may be present in a building that is in normal use . This then enables the owner or dutyholder to safely manage any asbestos present and prevent exposure to building occupiers and maintenance staff.
A refurbishment and demolition survey is required prior to any works of this nature taking place. This survey is intrusive and aims to ensure that all areas planned for refurbishment or demolition have been thoroughly checked and inspected for ACMs prior to any work being carried out. Because of its nature it is preferable that the survey area is not occupied during the inspection process other than by the surveyors undertaking the work. It may be necessary to carry out air testing of the survey areas upon completion of the survey, depending upon the level of intrusion and potential for fibre release, prior to reoccupation.
Refurbishment and demolition surveys may involve the services of other tradespeople such as electrical and mechanical contractors to isolate areas and supplies where necessary to allow asbestos surveyors safe access to all areas.
In the process of performing refurbishment and demolition surveys, floors may be opened up walls broken through, ceilings, cladding and partitions removed and all areas scrutinised for potential ACMs.
Refurbishment and demolition surveys may also be required prior to intrusive maintenance or repair works.
Regulation 7 of the Health and Safety Executive’s Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) stipulates that all ACMs are removed as far as is reasonably practicable prior to any major refurbishment or demolition work.
Whilst buildings should preferably not be occupied during refurbishment and demolition surveys there are circumstances where with the right planning this can occur. Schools, colleges and other educational buildings are such premises for example where it is perfectly acceptable to carry out the survey during one set of school holidays when the building is fully vacated and then to carry out subsequent work during the next holiday period. Similarly surveys can be undertaken outside of normal working hours such as evenings and weekends.
Once the survey has been completed the report can be used as a guide to assist contractors in preparing quotations and planning for any asbestos removal works that may be necessary.
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In order to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 Regulation 4 (Duty to Manage) it is a legal obligation to undertake an asbestos survey prior to Refurbishment and Demolition works.
People and organisations commissioning surveys should consult with the surveying company regarding planning, access , providing plans and any other anecdotal information that will assist in completing the survey.
Non access caveats in the report should be avoided at all costs and close communication is essential between the Surveyors and the client to minimise this eventuality. Should caveats become necessary they should be discussed and agreed between the two parties prior to inclusion in the report.
The importance of producing an accurate and detailed asbestos report cannot be over emphasised and there is a duty to ensure that persons commissioning surveys engage competent and suitably qualified Surveyors.
Here at Rightway Environmental, we can assist and advise you in relation to any asbestos related issues that you may have. Located in the South West, we operate on a nationwide basis providing expert services across commercial, domestic and industrial sectors. From asbestos removal, to surveys and training, we can help ensure all your needs are met.
To learn more about how we can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today.