What is an Asbestos Demolition Survey?

An Asbestos Demolition Survey, also known as a Type 3 survey, is specifically designed for buildings that are about to undergo demolition.

This survey identifies the presence, location, and condition of any asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in the building. It ensures that all hazardous materials are identified and safely removed before demolition begins, preventing exposure to harmful asbestos fibres.

Asbestos demolition surveys are conducted before a demolition is carried out.

A team of qualified professionals will need to assess the structural fibres of the building to determine the presence of asbestos, and therefore the building needs to be abandoned and ready for demolition at the time of surveyance.

Asbestos demolition surveys involve conducting deep investigations into the materials used to construct a building, and can include disturbance of the following materials:

• Walls
• Floorboards
• Insulation
• Paint
• Concrete floors
• Plumbing systems
• Cladding

This is not a limited list, and many other surveys may be conducted. If you have any questions, do speak to asbestos professionals prior to the survey being conducted.

It is not advised that anyone lives, works or accesses properties after an asbestos demolition survey has been carried out.

These surveys can be destructive, and therefore the building is unlikely to be habitable. Alongside this, the processes involved in asbestos demolition surveys can release asbestos fibres into the air if they are present, which can make accessing the building not only difficult but dangerous.

Pre-demolition asbestos surveys will identify the presence of asbestos in a building and inform you of actionable next steps before demolition.

If asbestos is found, you will be advised to contact asbestos removal professionals who will treat or remove the asbestos to prevent the risk of disturbance during the demolition.

You may also be recommended a further asbestos survey following the demolition to make sure the site is safe for further construction works.

If asbestos is released into the air as a result of a demolition project then both the demolition team and any individuals who have access to the site could be at risk of inhaling the fibres.

This is not only a gross oversight towards the health of the public, but punishable by law. You could face unlimited fines or imprisonment for endangering the public.

To prepare for an asbestos demolition survey, you will need to make sure that:

• The building is unoccupied and inaccessible.
• The building is empty of any items or possessions (including office equipment, lighting you wish to keep, furniture, fabrics and anything else you wish to keep).
• You have contacted a team of licensed professionals to conduct the survey

If you're involved in a demolition project, it’s important to engage licensed professionals to carry out the survey and guide you through the next steps. Don't take chances with asbestos. Ensure your demolition project starts on the right footing with a comprehensive asbestos demolition survey.

Contact Cordtape Environmental for professional Asbestos Survey and Asbestos Removal services as well as expert Asbestos Waste Management.