Unlike a standard Management Survey, which aims to monitor asbestos materials during normal occupation, a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is much more intrusive. Its sole purpose is to find all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the area of your planned work. This includes materials that would normally be hidden from view, such as those within walls, under floors, or above ceilings. Before any intrusive work can begin – from simple drilling for new cables to knocking down entire sections of a building – this detailed inspection must be carried out. It involves taking samples and often some destructive investigation to gain full access to all areas. The goal is to ensure you know exactly what asbestos is present, its type, and its condition, before it gets disturbed.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) make it crystal clear: if you're planning any refurbishment or demolition work on a non-domestic property built before the year 2000, or even a domestic property where contractors will be working, you have a legal duty to have a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey done. This isn't just paperwork; it’s about preventing serious harm. If asbestos is present and disturbed during work, it releases dangerous microscopic fibres into the air, which can cause severe health issues, including fatal diseases, years down the line. Failing to have a proper survey can lead to hefty fines, project delays, and even prosecution. We make sure you meet your legal obligations and create a safe working environment.

When you choose Southern Asbestos, you're opting for a systematic and professional approach. Our trained technicians will first discuss your specific refurbishment or demolition plans for your Caterham property, so we understand the exact scope of work. We then conduct a comprehensive, intrusive inspection of the designated areas. This involves:

• Destructive Access: Carefully accessing areas that might contain hidden asbestos, such as behind plaster, under floorboards, or within ceiling voids.
• Sample Collection: Taking samples of any suspicious materials we find.
• Laboratory Analysis: Sending these samples to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for definitive testing to confirm if they contain asbestos and, if so, what type.
• Detailed Report: Providing you with a clear, easy-to-understand report that details the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials found. This report also includes recommendations for safe removal or management before your project begins.
  This meticulous approach allows you to plan your work safely and efficiently.