Asbestos Compliance in Construction & Demolition

In the construction industry, asbestos remains the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK. For small to medium-sized contractors, managing this risk is not just a safety priority but a strict legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and CDM 2015.

Any building constructed or renovated before the year 2000 is presumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise. Failure to identify these materials before work begins can lead to significant project delays, HSE fines, and, most importantly, the accidental exposure of your workforce.

The Legal Framework for Contractors

Before any structural work, maintenance, or demolition takes place, the “duty holder” (client) or the Principal Contractor must ensure that the correct type of survey has been conducted.

• Regulation 5: Requires employers to identify the presence of asbestos before work commences.

• HSG 264: This is the HSE’s “Survey Guide” which we follow strictly to ensure your reports are legally robust for any site inspection.

Types of Construction Surveys

1. Refurbishment Surveys (Intrusive)

A standard Management Survey is not sufficient for construction work. If your project involves disturbing the fabric of the building—such as removing walls, lifting floorboards, or drilling into structural elements—you require a Refurbishment Survey.

• This survey is intrusive and involves accessing “hidden” areas (voids, chases, and cavities).

• It is often targeted specifically to the “scope of works” to save the client time and cost while ensuring the specific work area is safe.

2. Demolition Surveys (Fully Intrusive)

If a structure is being removed entirely, a Pre-Demolition Survey is mandatory. This is a destructive inspection where the surveyor will break into all structural voids to identify every possible instance of asbestos. This report is essential for the demolition contractor to plan safe removal (abatement) before the main demolition begins.

3. Targeted Sampling

During a project, “discovery” occurs when a contractor uncovers a material they suspect may be asbestos (e.g., hidden pipe lagging or underground cement flues).

• Work must stop immediately in that area.

• Professional sampling is required to confirm the risk before work can resume.

Common Asbestos Risks on Construction Sites

Asbestos was used in over 3,000 different building products. In construction, we frequently encounter:

• Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB): Used in ceiling tiles, soffits, and fireproofing around structural steel.

• Bitumen & Mastics: Found in floor tile adhesives, roofing felts, and damp-proof membranes.

• Cement Products: Corrugated roofing sheets, wall cladding, and underground drainage pipes.

• Textured Coatings: Often covering walls and ceilings that builders are tasked to skim or remove.

Supporting Project Timelines

We understand that construction schedules are tight. To support project continuity, we provide:

• Independent Reporting: We focus entirely on the survey and sampling. Because we do not provide removal services, our reports are impartial and designed only to provide the facts required for your site health and safety file.

• Technical PDF Reports: Detailed reports including site plans and photographic evidence, delivered within 5 working days.

• Site-Ready Documentation: Our surveys are formatted to be easily integrated into your Construction Phase Plan and RAMS.

Are you preparing a tender or starting a new project? For technical advice or a fixed-fee quote, contact our lead surveyor on 07711 855891.

• Direct Access: Call our lead surveyor directly at 07711 855891 for immediate booking.