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Asbestos surveys: what you need to know as a business owner

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Asbestos surveys: what you need to know as a business owner

Asbestos surveys are an essential component in ensuring non-domestic premises are safe for contractors and building occupants. 

Under HSE’s Construction Design and Management Regulations 2016 and Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, business owners and duty holders are required to have an asbestos survey of non-domestic premises.

Types of surveys

1. Management survey

The management survey’s purpose is to manage ACM during the normal occupation and use of premises. The duty-holder can complete a management survey where the premises are straightforward. Otherwise, a surveyor is needed.

A Management Survey aims to ensure that:

  • Nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of ACM on the premises or equipment
  • The ACM remain in good condition
  • Nobody disturbs it accidentally

The survey must locate ACM that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance, or by installing new equipment.  It involves minor intrusion and minor asbestos disturbance to make a materials assessment.  This shows the ability of ACM, if disturbed, to release fibres into the air. The survey also guides the client as to whether they would need to prioritise any remedial work.

2. Refurbishment/demolition survey

The refurbishment/demolition survey is required where the premises, or part of it, needs upgrading, refurbishment or demolition.  The survey does not need a record of the ACM condition. Normally, a surveyor is needed for a refurbishment/demolition survey.

A refurbishment/demolition survey aims to ensure that:

  • Nobody will be harmed by work on ACM on the premises or equipment
  • Such work will be done by the right contractor in the right way

The survey must locate and identify all ACM before any structural work begins at a stated location or on stated equipment at the premises.  It involves destructive inspection and asbestos disturbance.  The area surveyed must be vacated, and certified ‘fit for reoccupation’ after the survey.

What happens during the process?

At the beginning of the process, a survey team will be appointed to undertake a walk through the premises to collate an on-site risk assessment. 

The survey team will then proceed carefully through the proposed work site in order to locate and identify any potential ACMs.

Once samples have been collected, the team will send them off to be examined in a lab so they can determine exactly how much asbestos is present on site.

After all samples have been tested, the duty holder will receive a report identifying the outcomes of the samples and assisting them in determining their next course of action.

What if a survey discovers the presence of asbestos on-site? 

If asbestos is found on the premises, our team will be able to facilitate the safe encapsulation or removal of asbestos-containing materials. 

Our team has worked in the asbestos removal industry for over 40 years, eliminating asbestos risks and keeping people and property safe. 

Each of our team members is CHAS Accredited, ARCA-approval and fully licensed by HSE to remove asbestos, meaning that we can provide a service that ensures your construction site is fully compliant before you begin the refurbishment process. 

Contact us today for more guidance on pre-refurbishment asbestos surveys or professional asbestos removal services.

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From the enquiry to the completion of the work, the service is outstanding. All members of staff who attended the site are professional, very polite, did their work and when I asked to do any extra work, it was not a problem, they just did it.

Lena Jopling, Hutchinson Environmental Solutions, Northumberland

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Hendersons stripped the asbestos ceiling panels from our garage and removed the panels from site. I was very happy with the professional and efficient way in which the work was carried out. The team were very friendly and polite and they left the garage and surrounding area clean and tidy. The work area was tested by an independent company and found to be clean and free of asbestos fibres.

John Knowles, County Durham

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All the work was completed on time and to our expectations The staff were very pleasant and checked regularly that we were happy with the progress.

Tony Turnbull, Tynemouth

"Professional Approach "

We were delighted by the professional approach and customer service that Henderson provided. From the onset, they demonstrated a highly structured and well-planned approach. This was also seen in how they approached the work on-site, as staff were professional, and friendly but also very concerned to do the right job. An excellent service at a reasonable price.

Peter Upton, Hexham

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I received excellent service from everyone at Henderson as all team members are friendly, helpful, and professional. I would recommend Henderson Environmental to anyone with an asbestos issue and on the strength of the great job that they did, if I ever need soundproofing I would go straight to them.

G Parker, Newcastle Upon Tyne

"Clean and Efficient Job"

Ian and his team provided us with an excellent service at a competitive price compared to others. The team were fantastic, arriving on time and working continuously to get the job done. Once completed they showed me the area they had cleared and it had been done to a very high standard, all materials were taken away and the area was thoroughly cleaned. I would highly recommend to all.

Sam Benfield, Newcastle Upon Tyne

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When I was first told I had asbestos I was concerned mostly about what it meant to remove it and how destructive the process would be. I needn’t have worried as the team were in and out really quickly, working professionally, and that took all of the stress out of the situation. Thanks for a fantastic job guys!

Adrian Young, Whitley Bay

"Limited Disturbance"

We owe a huge thanks to Ian and the team for making the asbestos removal go so easily and to plan. The impact to tenants has been as minimal as possible and the asbestos skip was removed immediately. The job couldn’t have gone better and we look forward to working with you again in the future.

Neil Joslin, The Gateshead Housing Company

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I needed a job done quickly and the team came out to give me a quote the following day ad provided the estimate a day later. The work was completed within the estimated time frame and given that it involved removing a ceiling and taking the wall back to brick, we expected a mess but all of the waste was removed and not even a spec of dust was left behind. It’s rare these days to find a company that surpasses expectations and these guys do just that.

Christina Porter, Whickham, Newcastle Upon Tyne

"Safe and Collaborative Team"

The Henderson team were very easy to talk to and it was simple to schedule the removal to suit our calendar. The team on-site worked with our roofers to make sure the building was watertight by the end of the day. All in all Ian and the company were great to work with.

Hamilton Building and Joinery Services

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