Pre-refurbishment and pre-demolition surveys
We work with a number of surveyors who will provide an in-depth survey examining all parts of the building and area. This includes parts that are not normally accessible, sealed ducts, enclosed spaces and beneath floors. Testing on samples is undertaken at a fully approved UKAS accredited lab and a final report outlining if asbestos is found present and if it is what type it is and how we can proceed with its removal prior to demolition is provided.
Do I need an asbestos survey? Probably yes!
Large amounts of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used for a wide range of construction purposes in new and refurbished buildings until 1999 when all use of asbestos was banned. So if the building you want demolished was built prior to 1999 then you will need an asbestos survey.
Who can carry out the survey?
Only a qualified Asbestos Surveyor can carry out Asbestos Surveys.
When can the survey be carried out?
Refurbishment and demolition surveys should only be conducted in unoccupied areas to minimise risks to the public or employees on the premises. Ideally, the building should not be in service and all furnishings removed.
There may be some circumstances where the building is still occupied at the time a demolition survey is carried out. For example in the educational sector, refurbishment/demolition surveys may be conducted in schools or colleges during one closure period (e.g. holidays) and the work not undertaken until the next holiday period. Also, a demolition survey maybe conducted to establish the economic future or viability of a building(s). The survey results would determine the outcome. In such situations, the ‘survey’ will need extremely careful managing with personnel and equipment/furnishings being decanted and protected (as necessary), while the survey progresses through the building. There should be effective isolation of the survey areas and the ‘surveyed’ area must be shown to be fit for reoccupation before personnel reoccupy.
If you don't have professional tests done to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos, materials are presumed to be asbestos. You must apply full asbestos safety precautions when doing all work. This means getting either a licensed or a trained contractor to do the work.
Call GAGE Demolition for further information or to arrange an Asbestos Survey or Asbestos Removal.
Once a survey has been completed we will review it and if asbestos has been found present then we can quote for its removal.
Is the work licensed?
Depending on the materials and type of work being done an HSE-licensed asbestos contractor may need to be used and a 14 day notification to HSE given prior to the work being carried out.If the work is not classed as HSE-licensed then the work can be carried out without a 14 day notification but in some cases still needs notifying. GAGE Demolition can take care of all this for you.
Where is asbestos commonly found?
Asbestos can be found in any industrial or residential building built or refurbished before the year 2000. It is in many of the common materials used in the building trade. Loose asbestos in ceiling or floor cavityLagging
Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls and beams/columns
Asbestos insulating board
Floor tiles, textiles and composites
Textured coatings
Asbestos cement products
Roofing felt
Rope seals and gaskets
Once we have removed the asbestos we ensure it is properly contained by double wrapping or bagging it or placing it in an asbestos skip. The asbestos is then taken by us or another registered waste carrier to a licensed disposal site.
Copies of the completed Waste Consignment Note will be given to you and you should keep this as a record of the asbestos safe disposal.