How long does an asbestos management survey take?

Survey duration depends on the size and complexity of the building. A single commercial unit or small office may take two to three hours. A large school or industrial complex may take a full day or more. HSG Asbestos Surveys will advise you on expected timescales when providing your free quote.

How much does an asbestos management survey cost?

Survey costs vary based on building size, location, and complexity. HSG Asbestos Surveys provides free, no-obligation quotes. Contact us on 01274 959994 for a same-day quotation tailored to your property.

Do I need an asbestos survey if my building was built after 2000?

In most cases, no. The importation and use of all asbestos types was banned in the UK in 1999. However, if any part of the building was constructed or significantly refurbished using pre-2000 materials, a survey may still be advisable. If in doubt, contact HSG Asbestos Surveys for guidance.

How often does an asbestos management survey need to be renewed?

A management survey does not expire but the asbestos register must be kept up to date. An annual asbestos re-inspection is required by the Duty to Manage to monitor the condition of known ACMs. A new management survey may be needed if the building is significantly altered or extended.

Can a management survey be used before refurbishment work?

No. A management survey does not provide clearance for intrusive renovation work. A separate asbestos refurbishment survey is legally required before any works that will disturb walls, ceilings, floors, or structural elements.

Who can carry out an asbestos management survey?

Surveys must be carried out by a competent person with appropriate training and experience. HSG Asbestos Surveys employs BOHS P402-qualified surveyors with a minimum of ten years experience. All surveys follow HSE guidance note HSG264: Asbestos — The Survey Guide.

What happens if asbestos is found during a management survey?

Finding asbestos does not necessarily require immediate action. The survey report will assess the condition and risk level of each ACM and provide recommendations — whether to manage it in place, repair, encapsulate, or arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Many ACMs in good condition can be safely managed rather than removed.

Do I need to tell my tenants or employees about the asbestos survey?

Yes. Under the Duty to Manage, the asbestos register must be made available to anyone who might carry out work on the premises, including maintenance staff, contractors, and emergency services. Informing building users of the survey outcome is considered good practice and may be a requirement of your lease or insurance.

Does HSG Asbestos Surveys cover the whole of Yorkshire?

Yes. We carry out asbestos management surveys across the whole of Yorkshire including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster, York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Hull, and all surrounding areas.

Asbestos Management Surveys | BOHS-Qualified Surveyors | North of England | HSG Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos Management Surveys | HSG Asbestos Surveys

An asbestos management survey is a non-destructive inspection carried out in buildings that are in normal occupational use. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are present and could be disturbed during day-to-day activities, routine maintenance, or minor repair work. The survey produces an asbestos register and management plan — both of which are required by law for all non-domestic premises built before the year 2000.

HSG Asbestos Surveys carries out asbestos management surveys across the North of England, including West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Lincolnshire. Our surveyors hold BOHS P402 (Surveying and Sampling) and BOHS P405 (Management in Buildings) qualifications and have a minimum of ten years of surveying experience each

Free quotes available. Call us: 01274 959994 / 07703 203930 / 07711 855891

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What Is an Asbestos Management Survey?

An asbestos management survey — formerly known as a Type 2 survey — is the standard inspection required for buildings that are occupied and in normal use. It is designed to identify ACMs that may be disturbed by everyday activities such as maintenance, cleaning, or minor works, without requiring full access to all areas of the building.

The survey is carried out in line with HSE guidance note HSG264: Asbestos — The Survey Guide. It involves a qualified surveyor visually inspecting accessible areas of the building and, where appropriate, taking bulk samples of suspect materials. Samples are then submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis using polarised light microscopy (PLM).

The output is a written asbestos register — a formal document listing every known or presumed ACM in the building, its location, condition, and risk level — together with a management plan setting out how each material should be managed going forward.

Who Is Legally Required to Have an Asbestos Management Survey?

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), Regulation 4 — known as the Duty to Manage — places a legal obligation on anyone who owns, manages, or has control of non-domestic premises to manage the risk from asbestos. This applies to:

Commercial landlords and property owners
Facilities managers and building managers
Local authorities and housing associations (for communal areas)
School governors, NHS trusts, and public sector organisations
Factory and warehouse operators
Pub, hotel, and hospitality venue operators
Any business occupying premises built or refurbished before the year 2000

The Duty to Manage requires duty holders to presume that any suspect material contains asbestos unless laboratory analysis has confirmed otherwise. Simply assuming a building does not contain asbestos is not legally sufficient. Failure to comply with Regulation 4 can result in:

Prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Unlimited fines and potential custodial sentences
Civil liability claims from employees or building users
Invalidation of buildings insurance in the event of an incident

What Does an Asbestos Management Survey Cover?

An asbestos management survey carried out by HSG Asbestos Surveys covers all normally accessible areas of the building. Our surveyor will inspect:

All rooms, corridors, stairwells, and communal areas
Plant rooms, service cupboards, and boiler rooms
Ceiling voids and accessible roof spaces (where safe to do so)
Wall surfaces, partition walls, and column casings
Flooring, floor tiles, and adhesive materials
Pipe and duct lagging, thermal insulation, and casing materials
External cladding, soffit boards, and rainwater goods

The survey is intentionally non-destructive and does not require any breaking open of walls, ceilings, or floors. It is designed to be carried out with building occupants present, causing minimal disruption to normal operations. Where minor access is required, this is agreed with you in advance.

Please note: an asbestos management survey does not cover areas that are inaccessible or sealed. If refurbishment or demolition work is planned that will disturb inaccessible areas, a separate Pre-Refurbishment or Pre-Demolition Survey will be required.

Types of Asbestos Identified During a Management Survey

Our surveyors are trained to identify and sample all three types of asbestos that were used in UK construction. Laboratory analysis will confirm which fibre type is present:

Chrysotile — White Asbestos

The most widely used asbestos type in the UK, found in asbestos cement products, textured coatings (such as Artex), floor tiles, and insulating board. Chrysotile is considered lower risk than amphibole fibres but remains a controlled substance. It was used extensively in domestic and commercial buildings throughout the North of England.

Amosite — Brown Asbestos

Used primarily in thermal insulation, asbestos insulation board (AIB), and ceiling tiles. Amosite is more hazardous than Chrysotile and is commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings. It was widely used in schools, hospitals, and offices across Yorkshire and Lancashire during the 1960s and 1970s.

Crocidolite — Blue Asbestos

Considered the most hazardous type of asbestos, Crocidolite was used in sprayed coatings, pipe lagging, and some insulation products. It was banned in the UK earlier than other types due to its association with mesothelioma. Although less commonly found, it may still be present in older industrial premises across the North of England.

What Is Included in Your HSG Asbestos Management Survey Report?

Executive Summary: A plain-English overview of the survey findings and the overall risk profile of the building.
Detailed Site Drawings: Scaled floor plans with ACMs clearly marked by location. These are essential for communicating asbestos locations to contractors and maintenance staff.
Room-by-Room Asbestos Register: A comprehensive record of every ACM identified, including its exact location (e.g. ceiling void, column casing, floor adhesive), material type, condition, surface treatment, and extent.
Material Risk Assessments: Each ACM is assessed using the HSE’s material assessment algorithm, producing a priority score that indicates how urgently the material needs to be managed, repaired, or removed.
Asbestos Type Confirmation: Laboratory results confirming whether Chrysotile, Amosite, or Crocidolite is present, or whether the material is negative for asbestos.
Actionable Management Recommendations: Clear guidance on each ACM — whether to remove, encapsulate, repair, or manage in situ — including suggested review timescales.
Management Plan Template: A structured plan for ongoing asbestos management, ready for you to adopt and maintain going forward.

Reports are delivered by email, typically within five working days of the survey visit. An expedited service is available for urgent requirements — please mention this when you contact us.

How the Asbestos Management Survey Process Works

Booking and completing an asbestos management survey with HSG Asbestos Surveys is straightforward. Here is what to expect from start to finish:

#	Stage	What Happens
1	Enquiry & Booking	Contact HSG Surveys. We discuss your property type, size, and requirements and provide a free, no-obligation quote, usually within the same working day.
2	Survey Planning	We review building information and plan the survey in line with HSE guidance note HSG264. Access arrangements are confirmed with you in advance
3	Site Survey	Our BOHS P402-qualified surveyor attends the site. The survey is non-destructive under normal conditions and causes minimal disruption to your occupants.
4	Sample Analysis	Any bulk samples taken during the survey are submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis by polarised light microscopy (PLM).
6	Report Production	A fully detailed report is produced, including site drawings, a room-by-room register, risk assessments, and management recommendations.
7	Report Delivery	Your completed report is emailed to you, typically within five working days of the survey. An expedited service is available on request.

Asbestos Management Survey vs Refurbishment Survey: What Is the Difference?

A common question we receive from property owners and managers is whether they need a management survey or a refurbishment survey. The answer depends on the building’s purpose and the planned work.

Asbestos Management Survey: Required for buildings in ongoing occupational use. It is non-destructive and focuses on ACMs that could be disturbed during day-to-day activities or routine maintenance. It does not provide clearance for intrusive renovation works.

Refurbishment Survey: Required before any renovation, fit-out, or intrusive maintenance work begins. This survey is more thorough, may involve minor destructive investigation, and specifically assesses areas that will be disturbed by the planned works.

Demolition Survey: Required before any full or partial demolition. This is the most comprehensive survey type and covers all areas of the structure, including inaccessible voids.

If you are unsure which type of survey you need, please contact us, and we will advise you based on your property and your plans. In many cases, both a management survey and a refurbishment survey are needed — for example, if a building is occupied but one area is being refurbished.

Which Types of Properties Need an Asbestos Management Survey?

An asbestos management survey is required for any non-domestic property built or refurbished before the year 2000 that has communal areas where people work, visit, or reside. Property types we regularly survey include:

Commercial offices and business parks
Industrial units, warehouses, and factories
Schools, colleges, and universities
NHS hospitals, GP surgeries, and healthcare facilities
Retail units, shopping centres, and supermarkets
Hotels, pubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues
Local authority buildings and civic premises
Housing association properties (communal areas)
Places of worship, community centres, and sports facilities
Residential rental properties where the landlord has control of communal areas
Farm buildings, agricultural premises, and rural commercial properties

If you are unsure whether your property requires a survey, the answer is almost always yes if it was built before 2000, and people are regularly on the premises. Please call us for a no-obligation discussion about your specific situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Management Surveys

Question	Answer
What is an asbestos management survey?	An asbestos management survey is a non-destructive inspection of an occupied building carried out to locate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal use. It produces a formal asbestos register and management plan required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
How long does an asbestos management survey take?	Survey duration depends on the size and complexity of the building. A single commercial unit or small office may take two to three hours. A large school or industrial complex may take a full day or more. We will advise you on expected timescales when we provide your quote.
How much does an asbestos management survey cost?	Survey costs vary based on building size, location, and complexity. HSG Asbestos Surveys provides free, no-obligation quotes. Contact us on 01274 959994 for a same-day quotation tailored to your property.
Do I need an asbestos survey if my building was built after 2000?	In most cases, no. The importation and use of all asbestos types was banned in the UK in 1999. However, if any part of the building was constructed or significantly refurbished using pre-2000 materials, a survey may still be advisable. If in doubt, contact us for guidance.
How often does an asbestos management survey need to be renewed?	A management survey does not expire but the asbestos register must be kept up-to-date. An annual asbestos re-inspection is required by the Duty to Manage to monitor the condition of known ACMs. A new management survey may be needed if the building is significantly altered or extended.
Can a management survey be used before refurbishment work?	No. A management survey does not provide clearance for intrusive renovation work. A separate Asbestos Refurbishment Survey is legally required before any works that will disturb walls, ceilings, floors, or structural elements.
Who can carry out an asbestos management survey?	Surveys must be carried out by a competent person with appropriate training and experience. HSG Asbestos Surveys employs BOHS P402-qualified surveyors with a minimum of ten years experience. We follow HSE guidance note HSG264 for all surveys.
What happens if asbestos is found?	Finding asbestos does not necessarily require immediate action. The survey report will assess the condition and risk level of each ACM and provide recommendations — whether to manage it in place, repair, encapsulate, or arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Many ACMs in good condition can be safely managed rather than removed.
Do I need to tell my tenants or employees about the survey?	Yes. Under the Duty to Manage, the asbestos register must be made available to anyone who might carry out work on the premises, including maintenance staff, contractors, and emergency services. Informing building users of the survey outcome is considered good practice and may be a requirement of your lease or insurance.
Does HSG Asbestos Surveys cover the whole of Yorkshire?	Yes. We carry out asbestos management surveys across the whole of Yorkshire including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax, Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster, York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Hull, and all surrounding areas.