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If you have upcoming refurbishment or demolition work, you may need a refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey, but what is an R&D survey?
In this guide, we are going to explain what these surveys are, when they are required, how they differ from other surveys, what they involve, what will happen if asbestos is found, why they are important and how to find a competent surveyor.
R&D asbestos surveys are carried out before refurbishment or demolition works to locate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a structure, so they can be safely managed or removed without risking public or employee health.
They are a specific bracket of surveys involving extensive and intrusive investigation within a property prior to the fabric of the building being disturbed. They can be targeted at the specific scope of works. They are often broken down into two separate survey types: asbestos refurbishment surveys and asbestos demolition surveys.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, a suitable survey should be carried out before any refurbishment or demolition works can be carried out.
Many buildings constructed before 2000 will contain ACMs, which can be hidden within the structure of the building and therefore not identified easily or on previous surveys.
Locating, identifying and managing these materials prior to any work is essential prior to works commencing. A refurbishment or demolition survey should be commissioned in line with the specific scope of works via a surveyor who is competent in accordance with HSG264.
• Scope of Investigation – Due to the increased risk when undertaking refurbishment or demolition works, the scope of the survey needs to be more accurate. It is essential the scope of the survey reflects the level of work planned both in how intrusive it is and the areas included.
• Level of Detail – R&D surveys will take a much more in-depth approach, ensuring no ACM is missed in the scope of works and may require more samples to be taken for analysis.
• Purpose – Refurbishment and demolition surveys also have a different purpose than asbestos management surveys. These surveys are designed to ensure any ACMs that may be disturbed by the works are identified.
1. Desktop Review – Before the survey can begin, asbestos surveyors will conduct an initial desktop review of your premises. This will review existing information and details about the building
2. Survey all Elements – Next, a full investigation of the specific areas of the building covered by the survey will begin. The surveyors will examine all the relevant elements of the property to ensure any ACMs in the areas of work are identified.
3. Identification – We aim to identify all potential ACMs in the scope of the work. If any ACMs are identified, their condition will be assessed and a sample obtained.
4. Asbestos Register – The final stage of any asbestos survey is the report and register. A detailed asbestos register will be provided, listing all the ACMs found in the scope of the work, as well as their location and condition. Annotated plans and a material risk assessment score will also be included. Both the survey and register must be completed in accordance with HSG264, using a competent surveyor such as EMS.
R&D surveys can often reveal hidden asbestos hidden in the matrix of the building, especially in buildings over a certain age. So, what happens next? That will depend on the purpose for which the survey is being conducted and the scope of the intended work.
In the case of a demolition, ACM removal will always be required, to protect both the public and your workforce from exposure to potentially life-threatening fibres. Some refurbishment projects may allow them to remain in place, so long as effective management strategies are devised and maintained. If management is an option, your surveyor should be able to advise on how to do so safely and in accordance with government guidelines. EMS can provide asbestos removal and project management services to assist.
• Legal Compliance – Asbestos surveys prior to demolition or refurbishment work are a legal requirement under the CAR – non-compliance could land you with a heavy fine and even a prison sentence.
• Health and Safety – – If asbestos is unwittingly disturbed, the resulting release of fibres puts both your team and the public in danger, with asbestos exposure directly linked to long-term, life-threatening health conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
• Cost Efficiency – Legal compliance and health and safety aside, commencing your project without an R&D survey puts you at risk of discovering ACMs unexpectedly.
The final step in ensuring legal compliance, protecting health and safety and ensuring the smooth operation of your project is finding a competent, BOHS P402-qualified and accredited asbestos surveyor. Here are our top tips for spotting the perfect surveyor:
1. Look for Accreditations – Before booking your R&D survey, make sure to review the surveyor’s accreditations and quality assurances. Ideally, they should be UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys and have an ISO 9001 certified quality system.
2. Identify Transparency in Pricing – Some surveyors will attempt to hide additional costs in their quotes, meaning that your final price is much higher than expected. EMS will not do this, we only provide fixed quotes with all samples included. Make sure you know the full cost of your survey up front and that your surveyor is not withholding information. This can include additional costs for taking samples.
Hopefully, you now know the answer to the question ‘What is an R&D survey?’ As well as understand when they are needed, why and how to find the right surveyor.
At EMS Asbestos, we’ve been providing reliable asbestos surveys in Worcester and across the UK since 2003. We’re UKAS and ISO accredited and have a wealth of experience in helping clients from every industry manage their asbestos concerns.
To book your refurbishment or demolition survey, just reach out to our expert team by calling 0800 3581100, emailing info@emsgroupuk.com or filling out our contact form here.
