Key facts
- Non-domestic buildings carry a legal duty to manage asbestos.
- A survey is needed before refurbishment or demolition work.
- Good planning keeps downtime and disruption low.
The duty to manage
If you own or are responsible for a commercial or industrial building built before 2000, you have a legal duty to manage any asbestos in it. That normally means knowing where it is, recording its condition and keeping a plan for managing it.
Where it is found in commercial buildings
- Cement roof sheets and wall cladding on units and warehouses
- Gutters, downpipes, soffits and fascias
- Pipe lagging and boiler insulation in plant rooms
- Floor tiles and adhesive
- Insulation board, ceiling tiles and partitions
Survey first
Before refurbishment or demolition, the building needs an asbestos survey so the work is planned around what is really there. We can arrange this through an independent surveyor.
How the work is planned
- Site visit and quote. Written quote covering access, waste and programme.
- Access and safety. Scaffold, access platforms and edge protection for work at height.
- Containment. Work areas are cordoned or sealed to protect staff and visitors.
- Removal and waste. Material is removed, wrapped and carried away by a licensed carrier.
- Handover. Area cleaned, paperwork provided and your records updated.
Keeping downtime low
Work can often be phased by area, or arranged outside working hours, so your site keeps running. Tell us your constraints when you ask for a quote.
Roof options after removal
Once the old roof is off, many owners fit a new insulated roof. Ask for the removal and the replacement to be priced together.