What is a Demolition Survey?

A demolition survey is a survey designed to find any asbestos containing materials (ACMs), before demolition work is carried out.

The aim of the survey is to help protect people and the environment from any asbestos, which could exist in the building or any equipment.

If asbestos is found, the demolition survey will confirm what work needs to be completed by asbestos removal experts, before demolition.

This is to help comply with CAR 2012 Regulation 7, for all ACMs to be removed as far as reasonably practicable before major refurbishment or final demolition, unless removal would cause a greater risk to employees than if the asbestos had been left in place.

How does a Demolition Survey work?

A demolition survey is disruptive and requires access to all areas of the building. This can include the lifting up of floors or breaking through of partitions and ceilings. The building must be empty and unoccupied at the time of surveying.

IMPORTANT

The survey will identify the existence of the asbestos, including areas of damage or where additional asbestos debris may be present. However, where the asbestos removal may not take place for some time, the ACMs risk will need to be fully assessed and the materials managed (see CAR 2012 Regulation 4).