What is a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey?

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 even how to find a reliable surveyor. 

Read on to learn more, or, if you would like to discuss your needs with an expert now, just call us on 01432 263333. 

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What is an R&D Survey? 

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 invasive procedures designed to ensure legal compliance and protect peoples’ health. They are often broken down into two separate services: asbestos refurbishment surveys and asbestos demolition surveys. 

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When is an R and D Asbestos Survey Required? 

So, what is the purpose of an asbestos survey for refurbishing and demolishing properties? Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, they must be conducted before any refurbishment or demolition works can be carried out. 

Many buildings constructed before the outlawing of asbestos in the UK in 1999 will feature ACMs, often used to control fire risks and provide thermal insulation. These materials are often inert if undisturbed, but demolition or refurbishment works could interfere with ACMs, causing them to release harmful fibres into the air. 

Therefore, finding and building management strategies for these materials prior to any work is vital. 

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How do R and D Surveys Differ from Other Asbestos Surveys? 

• Scope of Investigation – Because of the level of risk involved and the high potential for ACMs to become damaged, R&D asbestos surveys are much broader in their scope and far more intrusive. 
• Level of Detail – R&D surveys will take a much more detailed approach, ensuring no ACM is missed and may require more samples to be taken for analysis. 
• Purpose – Refurbishment and demolition surveys also have a different purpose than asbestos management surveys. They are conducted without structural preservation in mind, and with the assumption that ACMs will be disturbed. 

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What Does the Process Involve? 

1. Initial Assessment – Before the survey can begin, your asbestos surveyors will conduct an initial assessment of your premises, identifying likely areas of concern and considering factors such as your building’s age. 
2. Intrusive Investigation – Next, an intrusive investigation of your property will begin. This is where surveyors will begin to examine what your structure is made of, from the inside out to ensure that no potential ACM is missed. 
3. Sampling and Testing – With possible ACMs identified, their level of risk will need to be determined using laboratory testing of samples. 
4. Reporting – The final stage of any asbestos survey is the report. In the case of R&D surveys, this will list all ACMs identified, their locations and whether they can be managed or must be removed. 

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What if Asbestos is Found During an R and D Survey? 

R&D surveys can often reveal hidden asbestos, 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 demolitions, 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. 

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Why is an R&D Asbestos Survey Important? 

• 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 by your workforce, 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. This will cause costly delays to your project and likely be more expensive than tackling the materials beforehand. 

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Choosing a Qualified Surveyor 

The final step in ensuring legal compliance, protecting health and safety and ensuring the smooth operation of your project is finding a reliable, qualified and accredited asbestos surveyor. Here are our top tips for spotting the perfect surveyor: 

• 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- and ISO-accredited 
• Determine Experience – Assess how long the surveyor has been operating successfully. More experience is likely to indicate more reliable services. 
• 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. Make sure you know the full cost of your survey up front and that your surveyor is not withholding information. 

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Book Your R&D Asbestos Survey Today 

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 have been providing reliable HSG264-compliant asbestos surveys in Worcester and across the UK since 2003. We are UKAS-and ISO-accredited and have a wealth of experience in helping clients from every industry manage their asbestos concerns. 

To book your refurbishment and demolition survey, just reach out to our expert team by calling 0800 358 1100, emailing info@emsgroupuk.com or filling out our contact form here.