Frequently Asked Questions

There are three types of asbestos survey defined in HSG264: management surveys (to locate and assess ACMs for ongoing management), refurbishment surveys (before any planned renovation work), and demolition surveys (before a building is due to be demolished). The type of survey you need depends on why it is required and what activities are planned for the building.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty holder for any non-domestic premises has a legal duty to manage asbestos. This requires knowing whether asbestos is present, which typically means a management survey. A refurbishment or demolition survey is required before any work that may disturb the building fabric in properties built before the year 2000.

The main factors are the property type (domestic or commercial), the size of the building, the type of survey required (management, refurbishment, or demolition), and the number of samples likely to be needed. A straightforward domestic management survey is less expensive than a large commercial refurbishment survey. We provide free quotes based on your specific property and requirements.

We offer same-week survey appointments across Hampshire as standard. For urgent requirements, we can often accommodate next-day or same-day appointments. Survey reports are typically delivered within 24 hours of the site visit.

Licensed work involves higher-risk materials such as sprayed coatings, asbestos insulation board (AIB), and loose-fill insulation. This work can only be carried out by HSE-licensed contractors and requires a 14-day notification to the HSE before commencement. Non-licensed work involves lower-risk materials such as asbestos cement, textured coatings, and some floor tiles. While less risky, non-licensed work still requires trained personnel and proper safety controls.

The duration depends on the type, quantity, and location of the asbestos-containing materials, and whether the work is licensed or non-licensed. A small domestic removal might be completed in a day, while a large commercial project could take several weeks. We provide detailed timescales as part of our project planning process.

This depends on the type of removal work, its location within the property, and the control measures in place. For licensed removal work, you will typically need to vacate the immediate area. For some non-licensed work, it may be possible to remain in unaffected parts of the property. We provide specific guidance for each project.

Bulk samples are analysed at a UKAS-accredited laboratory using polarised light microscopy (PLM). This technique allows trained analysts to identify the presence and type of asbestos fibres — chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), or crocidolite (blue) — and estimate the percentage of asbestos content in the sample.

Standard laboratory turnaround is 24 hours from sample receipt. We also offer same-day urgent analysis for time-critical projects. Results are provided with a formal UKAS-accredited test certificate including fibre type identification and percentage content.

No. If you suspect a material contains asbestos, do not drill, cut, sand, scrape, or otherwise disturb it. Asbestos fibres are only dangerous when airborne, so intact materials in good condition generally pose low risk. If you need to confirm whether a material contains asbestos, arrange for a qualified surveyor to collect a sample using safe techniques and appropriate protective equipment.

The principal legislation is the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), which consolidates previous asbestos regulations into a single framework. Key provisions include the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises (Regulation 4), requirements for licensed and non-licensed work, medical surveillance, and training requirements. This is supported by HSE guidance including HSG264, HSG248, and HSG227.

Under Regulation 4 of CAR 2012, the duty holder for any non-domestic premises must take reasonable steps to determine whether asbestos is present, assess its condition, create a management plan, and ensure anyone likely to work on or disturb the material is made aware of its presence. This applies to commercial properties, schools, hospitals, landlords of rental properties, and public buildings.

The use of blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos was banned in the UK in 1985. White asbestos (chrysotile) was banned in 1999. However, asbestos was widely used in UK construction from the 1950s through to the mid-1990s, meaning any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for all our services. For surveys, we can usually provide a quote over the phone based on your property details. For removal and disposal projects, we may need to conduct a preliminary survey or site visit to provide an accurate quotation.

We cover the entire county of Hampshire, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, Farnborough, Aldershot, Eastleigh, Fareham, Havant, Gosport, Fleet, Petersfield, Waterlooville, and all surrounding areas. We also cover the Isle of Wight by arrangement.

All asbestos waste must be disposed of at an Environment Agency licensed hazardous waste facility. It must be double-bagged in UN-approved packaging, labelled correctly, and transported by a licensed waste carrier. Full consignment note documentation is required. We provide a complete disposal service that handles every aspect of this process for you.