Asbestos Surveys
If your building was built before 2000, you need to know what is inside it. An asbestos survey tells you exactly where asbestos-containing materials are, what condition they are in, and what your legal obligations are.
As duty holders under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 must legally identify and manage asbestos in all non-domestic premises built before 2000, we are here to make sure your survey is done properly, on time and with confidence.
Asbestos Management Services Enquiry Form
What an Asbestos Survey Actually Involves
A lot of businesses are not sure what they are paying for when they book an asbestos survey. Here is what it actually means in practice.
A surveyor visits your site and carries out a thorough inspection of the building. Depending on the type of survey needed, this can involve a visual walkthrough, physical sampling of materials, and laboratory analysis to confirm whether asbestos is present and what type it is.
Every material that could contain asbestos is assessed for its condition and risk level. Once the survey is complete, you receive a detailed written report with photographs, sample results, risk ratings and a clear record of every material found. This becomes your asbestos register, which you are legally required to maintain as a duty holder.
We work around your operations wherever possible, so disruption to your site is kept to a minimum.
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Who Needs an Asbestos Survey
If you own, manage or occupy a non-domestic building that was built before 2000, the duty to manage asbestos sits with you. This applies to a wide range of organisations including property managers, facilities teams, housing associations, schools, manufacturers, warehouses, offices and construction contractors.
It does not matter if asbestos was not installed intentionally. Many building materials used throughout the twentieth century contained asbestos without it being obvious. Ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe insulation, roof sheets, partition boards and textured coatings are just some of the places it can turn up.
If you manage a large property portfolio, a single unidentified asbestos risk across one site can have consequences that affect the whole business. Getting surveys in place across your estate is the most straightforward way to close that gap.
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What You Get From an HSQE Asbestos Survey
Commissioning a survey through HSQE Consultancy means you get more than just a report. Here is what is included as standard.
A full written survey report covering every area inspected, with clear findings for each location. Photographs of all identified or suspected asbestos-containing materials. Laboratory analysis results for any samples taken during the inspection. A risk priority rating for each material so you know what needs attention first. An asbestos register that you can hand directly to contractors, facilities teams or insurers. Practical recommendations on next steps, whether that is ongoing management, reinspection schedules or referral for removal.
Everything is written in plain language. You will not need a specialist to interpret the findings.
Why Commission Your Survey Through HSQE Consultancy
UKAS-accredited to ISO/IEC 17020, which means our surveys meet the nationally recognised standard for inspection bodies. The HSE strongly recommends that all asbestos surveys are carried out by a UKAS-accredited organisation, and many insurers and principal contractors now require it as a minimum.
Our surveyors bring extensive field experience across a wide range of building types, from single-site commercial premises through to large multi-site estates. We understand that every building is different and every client has different operational pressures, so we fit the survey around your requirements rather than the other way around.
You also get a single point of contact throughout the process. From booking through to report delivery, you will always know who to call and where things stand.
Contact Our Team: 01252 214 075
Relevant UK and EU Regulations
- Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)
The primary UK legislation governing the identification, management and control of asbestos in non-domestic premises and applicable residential settings. - Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 & COSHH Regulations 2002
Asbestos duties are further supported by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, which set out broader obligations relating to hazardous substances in the workplace. - HSG264 – Asbestos: The Survey Guide
The HSE's definitive guidance document covering best practice for management surveys and refurbishment and demolition surveys, designed to support accurate identification and regulatory compliance.
Why Work With HSQE Consultancy for Asbestos Risk Management?
- Extensive expertise, locally applied
HSQE Consultancy delivers technically rigorous asbestos services that are fully aligned with the regulatory requirements specific to your region and building portfolio. - Services built around your needs
Every engagement is shaped around your individual circumstances, whether that means a single building assessment or a programme of surveys across a large and varied estate. - Pinpointing your highest-risk materials
Our advisory specialists help organisations identify and rank asbestos-containing materials according to risk level, enabling targeted, cost-effective management decisions.
Further Guidance on Asbestos Management
Professional asbestos management is about far more than regulatory box-ticking. When done well, it significantly enhances building safety, informs better decision-making and gives organisations confidence that their duty of care is being properly discharged. From locating hazardous materials to meeting statutory obligations under UK law, a robust management framework empowers organisations to protect the people who use their buildings and create safer, more resilient environments for the long term.
Enterprise Centre, 14-40 Victoria Rd, Aldershot GU11 1TQ
Email: info@hsqeconsultancy.co.uk
Phone: 01252 214075
Common Questions From Businesses
In most cases, no. A management survey is largely non-intrusive and can usually be carried out around your normal working hours. For refurbishment and demolition surveys, some access to concealed areas is required, but we plan this with you in advance to minimise any impact on operations.
Possibly. If the previous survey was carried out some time ago, the condition of materials may have changed. If any work has been done on the building since the last survey, new areas may need to be assessed. If the original survey did not cover the full building, there may be gaps. We can review your existing documentation and advise on what is still valid and what needs updating.
This depends on the size and complexity of the building. A straightforward single-floor commercial unit can often be completed in a few hours. Larger or more complex sites may require a full day or more. We will give you a clear timeframe before we start.
Not necessarily. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and are not likely to be disturbed, the recommended approach is often to manage them in place rather than remove them. Removal is not always the safest or most cost-effective option. Your survey report will include clear guidance on the right course of action for each material identified.
There are three main types: a management survey, which is required for occupied buildings to identify asbestos that could be disturbed during normal use; a refurbishment survey, carried out before any renovation work; and a demolition survey, which is required before a building or part of a building is demolished. We can advise on which type is appropriate for your situation.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty to manage asbestos falls on those who are responsible for non-domestic premises built before the year 2000. This includes employers, building owners, and anyone who has control over maintenance or repair of the premises. If you are unsure whether your obligations apply, we are happy to advise.
Once the survey is finished, we produce a detailed report that identifies all asbestos-containing materials found, their location, condition, and risk rating. The report will also include recommendations for management or remediation. This document forms the basis of your asbestos management plan and should be kept accessible on site.
Yes. All of our surveyors hold the relevant BOHS qualifications and operate in line with HSG264 guidance. Our organisation is also UKAS-accredited, which means our survey reports and laboratory analysis meet independently verified standards. You can be confident that the work we carry out is compliant and professionally delivered.
Yes. Whilst the legal duty to manage asbestos applies primarily to non-domestic premises, asbestos-containing materials are commonly found in residential properties built before 2000. We carry out surveys for homeowners, landlords, and housing providers, providing the same thorough approach and clear reporting regardless of property type.
The only reliable way to confirm whether asbestos-containing materials are present is to have a survey carried out by a qualified professional. Buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 are considered at risk, as asbestos was widely used in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe lagging, and other materials. Visual inspection alone is not sufficient to confirm presence or absence.
An asbestos management plan sets out how identified asbestos-containing materials will be monitored, managed, and maintained safely over time. It is a legal requirement for duty holders in non-domestic premises. The plan should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever circumstances change, such as following further works or a change in the condition of materials.
In most cases, yes. Where materials are suspected to contain asbestos, small samples are taken and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. This confirms whether asbestos is present and identifies the fibre type. Sampling is carried out carefully and in accordance with safe working procedures to prevent any release of fibres.
Materials that are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed can often be safely managed in place. This involves keeping a clear record of their location, carrying out regular condition checks, ensuring anyone working on the building is made aware of their presence, and acting promptly if damage or deterioration is identified. We can assist with setting up an appropriate monitoring regime.
Getting started is straightforward. Contact us with details of your property, the type of survey required, and any relevant background information such as previous reports or planned works. We will provide a clear quotation and arrange a convenient time to carry out the survey with minimal disruption to your site or schedule.