Asbestos Demolition Surveys
Comprehensive pre-demolition asbestos inspections to ensure safe and legally compliant building demolition
Asbestos Demolition Survey Service
Asbestos Demolition Surveys (formerly known as Type 3 Surveys) are the most comprehensive and intrusive type of asbestos survey available. They are specifically designed to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials throughout an entire building prior to complete demolition.
If you're planning to demolish any building constructed before 2000, a Demolition Asbestos Survey is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This ensures all asbestos is identified and can be safely removed before demolition begins.
What's Included in Our Demolition Survey
- Fully intrusive inspection of the entire building structure
- Extensive sampling from all building elements
- Access to all cavities, voids, and hidden areas
- UKAS accredited laboratory analysis of all samples
- Comprehensive demolition survey report
- Detailed asbestos register with material quantities
- Recommendations for licensed asbestos removal
Legal Requirements for Demolition
Regulatory Framework
Multiple regulations apply to building demolition and asbestos management:
- •Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)
- •Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
- •Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- •Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
- •HSE Guidance HSG264 on Asbestos Surveys
These regulations collectively require all asbestos to be located and identified before demolition work begins, and properly removed by licensed contractors.
Legal Obligations for Property Owners
Before demolition, you are legally required to:
- •Commission a comprehensive Demolition Survey
- •Ensure all asbestos is identified regardless of difficulty of access
- •Remove all asbestos-containing materials before demolition
- •Use licensed asbestos removal contractors for high-risk materials
- •Ensure proper waste disposal with appropriate documentation
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in significant fines, criminal charges, and immediate cessation of demolition work by enforcement authorities.
Our Demolition Survey Process
Initial Consultation
We'll discuss your demolition project requirements, timeline, and property details to prepare a comprehensive survey plan tailored to your specific building.
Property Preparation
The building must be vacated before our survey. We'll ensure all utilities are safely disconnected and that appropriate access arrangements are in place for a thorough inspection.
Comprehensive Inspection
Our surveyors will conduct a fully intrusive inspection, accessing all parts of the building including hidden voids, service ducts, underground areas, roof spaces, and structural elements to identify all potential asbestos materials.
Extensive Sampling
We'll take multiple samples from all suspected asbestos materials, carefully documenting their location and extent. For Demolition Surveys, our sampling is more extensive than other survey types to ensure nothing is missed.
Laboratory Analysis
All samples are analyzed by a UKAS accredited laboratory to identify asbestos type and confirm the presence or absence of asbestos in each material.
Detailed Reporting
We'll provide a comprehensive report including an asbestos register with material locations, quantities, and types. This documentation will include recommendations for removal and can be used to obtain quotes from licensed asbestos removal contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a Demolition Survey required?
A Demolition Survey is legally required before demolishing any building constructed before 2000, when asbestos use was banned in construction. It's essential for complete or partial demolition projects, including removal of an entire building or significant structural parts.
What's the difference between a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey?
While both are intrusive, a Refurbishment Survey covers only the areas affected by planned refurbishment work. A Demolition Survey is more comprehensive, covering the entire building and involving more extensive destructive inspection techniques to access all areas, including structural elements.
How long does a Demolition Survey take?
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the building. For an average-sized property, the on-site survey typically takes 1-2 days. Larger or more complex buildings may require longer. Laboratory analysis usually takes 3-5 working days, after which we provide the complete report.
Can demolition work begin immediately after the survey?
No. If asbestos is identified (which is likely in pre-2000 buildings), it must be removed by licensed contractors before demolition can begin. The survey report will provide the information needed to obtain quotes for asbestos removal. Only after all asbestos has been safely removed and clearance certificates obtained can demolition proceed.
Ensure legal compliance and safety for your demolition project
Our qualified asbestos surveyors provide comprehensive Demolition Surveys across all Edinburgh areas