HSE defines the intrusive survey type as a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey. For demolition, the survey must locate and identify ACMs throughout the parts of the building that will be demolished, so far as reasonably practicable, before demolition begins.
What that means in normal English
When the building — or a defined part of it — is coming down, we scope the HSE Refurbishment and Demolition Survey as a Demolition Survey. We are asking what asbestos the demolition process could disturb, including materials concealed within the building fabric.
HSE states that refurbishment or demolition surveys must locate and identify ACMs, including materials hidden within the building fabric, before structural work begins. ACMs are to be removed, so far as reasonably practicable, before major refurbishment or demolition.
What that means in normal English
A demolition survey is not a management survey with a different title. The expectation is much greater access and intrusion because the building is going to be demolished and hidden asbestos needs to be identified beforehand.
In the real world
Old buildings rarely read the drawings. Extensions, over-cladding, buried services, inaccessible voids, old safes, redundant plant and layers of previous refurbishment can all hide materials. Sometimes the sensible answer is a staged approach: survey what can safely be reached, soft-strip or make areas safe, then return where construction is exposed and further inspection becomes possible.
Limitations still matter
“Demolition survey” does not magically make an unsafe void, flooded basement, structurally suspect floor or physically inaccessible construction accessible. Genuine limitations should be recorded clearly and resolved before those areas are disturbed by demolition.
Related: Refurbishment surveys · Post-removal updates · Common questions
← Back to WKA Asbestos Explained