Asbestos Survey Decision Tool
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, any building constructed before the year 2000 must be presumed to contain asbestos unless strong evidence says otherwise. This tool determines which type of survey you need based on the planned work.
Three questions. Under a minute. No login required.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the two types of asbestos survey?
- Under HSE guidance MDHS101, there are two survey types. A management survey identifies asbestos-containing materials in a building so they can be managed during normal occupation. A refurbishment and demolition survey is fully intrusive and identifies all asbestos before refurbishment or demolition work begins. The old Type 1, 2, and 3 classifications were replaced in 2012.
- Do I need an asbestos survey before refurbishment?
- Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 5, a refurbishment and demolition survey must be carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work in a building constructed before the year 2000. The survey must cover all areas that will be disturbed by the planned work.
- Who can carry out an asbestos survey?
- Asbestos surveys must be carried out by a competent person. HSE recommends using a surveyor accredited by UKAS to ISO 17020 for asbestos surveying. A management survey can be less intrusive, but a refurbishment and demolition survey requires full access to the building fabric, which typically means the area must be vacated.
- Does a building built after 2000 need an asbestos survey?
- Generally no. The UK banned the import, supply, and use of all asbestos products on 24 November 1999. Buildings constructed entirely after this date should not contain asbestos materials. However, if the building incorporates any pre-2000 structural elements (such as retained walls or recycled materials), a survey may still be advisable.