What is an asbestos pre-demolition survey ?
An asbestos demolition survey is needed before undertaking demolition works. The current asbestos survey guidance makes clear reference to the difference in the level of survey required for refurbishment works and for complete demolition of a building.
In line with asbestos guidance, demolition is only utilised as a descriptive when the entire building is to be demolished and removed in its entirety. As such when an asbestos demolition survey is requested the scope of works is self explanatory.
An asbestos demolition survey must achieve full identification of all asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within all areas of the building, as far as is reasonably practicable.
What’s involved with an asbestos pre-demolition survey ?
Asbestos demolition surveys are fully intrusive and involve extensively destructive inspection methods to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. Aggressive inspection techniques will be required to lift up carpets and floor tiles, break through walls, ceilings, cladding and partitions, and open up floors. Asbestos demolition surveys will be completed in unoccupied buildings.
The purpose of this is to minimise risks to personnel within the premises as excessive damage to the building is likely to occur. Where practicable to do the building or area should not be operational and all furnishings should be vacated.
In these types of surveys, where the asbestos is identified so that it can be removed (rather than to ‘manage’ it), the survey does not normally assess the condition of the asbestos, other than to indicate areas of damage or where additional asbestos debris may be present. However as the asbestos removal may not take place for some time, the ACMs condition is usually assessed so that materials can be managed.