Asbestos Demolition Surveys

A demolition survey is the most comprehensive type of asbestos survey. It is required before any building, or part of a building, is demolished. Its purpose is to locate all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) so they can be removed safely before demolition begins.

Unlike a management or refurbishment survey, a demolition survey is:

Fully intrusive and destructive – breaking through walls, floors, ceilings, and building fabric to gain access to all areas.

Extensive in scope – covering the entire building (or the relevant section), not just specific work areas.

Essential for safety – demolition without a survey risks uncontrolled asbestos fibre release, endangering workers and the public.

Key Features of a Demolition Survey

Identifies the location, presence, type, and condition of ACMs throughout the building.

Requires full access to all areas, including hidden spaces like wall cavities, ducts, voids, and underfloor areas.

Produces a comprehensive report and asbestos register, which must be provided to contractors before work begins.

Will require the building to be vacated due to the intrusive and destructive nature of the inspection.

Reference: HSG264

The HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide states:

“Demolition surveys are fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas of a building. Their purpose is to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the building (or the relevant part) before any demolition work begins.”

And critically, on the limitations of surveys, HSG264 also recognises:

 “It is not always possible to access all areas of a building and some ACMs may be hidden within the fabric. Consequently, even with a thorough survey, all ACMs may not be identified and some may only be discovered during demolition.”

Why is a Demolition Survey Important?

Ensures compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Protects contractors, workers, and the public from asbestos exposure.

Provides accurate information so asbestos removal can be planned and costed safely.

Acknowledges that asbestos can still be revealed during demolition, ensuring contractors remain vigilant and prepared.

✔ Full Compliance with HSG264
Our demolition surveys are carried out in strict accordance with HSG264: Asbestos – The Survey Guide. We follow the required methodology to ensure all reasonably practicable steps are taken to locate asbestos before demolition begins.

✔ Thorough, Intrusive Inspections
We understand that demolition surveys must be fully intrusive. Our surveyors access wall cavities, floor voids, ducts, risers, and hidden spaces — ensuring ACMs are identified wherever reasonably possible.

✔ Accurate & Reliable Reporting
Our reports provide a complete asbestos register of the building (or relevant part) prior to demolition. Each report is detailed, photographic, and contractor-friendly, designed to be used as a working document for safe asbestos removal.

✔ Managing Limitations Transparently
As HSG264 acknowledges: “even with a thorough survey, all ACMs may not be identified and some may only be discovered during demolition.” We make these limitations clear to our clients and contractors, so there are no surprises once work starts.

✔ Independent & Impartial
We are asbestos survey specialists, not removal contractors. Our role is to provide impartial, professional advice — giving you confidence that our findings are unbiased and focused on compliance.

✔ Proven Experience on Complex Sites
From residential blocks to factories and large commercial premises, we have delivered demolition surveys across a wide range of property types. Our experience ensures surveys are efficient, accurate, and minimise delays to your project.