Key Points in This Blog
- Architects must consider asbestos before work starts.
- Pre-2000 buildings may require an asbestos survey.
- Refurbishment work needs an intrusive asbestos survey.
- Survey findings should be included within project plans.
- Early asbestos checks can prevent exposure and project delays.
Asbestos survey requirements for Architects
Architects and designers have a responsibility to ensure asbestos is managed safely in their projects. This includes understanding the requirements for asbestos surveys and ensuring the correct type of survey is conducted before any work begins. Adhering to these requirements protects workers, occupants, and the environment from the serious health risks posed by asbestos.
Key Asbestos Survey Types
Asbestos Management Survey
A management survey identifies and assesses asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during normal occupation and routine maintenance. It may involve sampling and minor intrusive investigation.
It should not automatically be treated as sufficient for refurbishment work, particularly where concealed materials will be disturbed.
Asbestos Refurbishment and Demolition Survey
A refurbishment or demolition survey investigates the areas affected by the proposed work, including materials hidden within the building fabric. Its scope must reflect the actual work planned.
Survey selection depends on what will be disturbed, not simply whether a project is described as “minor” or “major”. Even a small project may need a targeted refurbishment survey. Review existing asbestos information with a competent surveyor to establish whether it adequately covers the work.
Responsibilities of Architects and Designers
Step 1: Establish What Asbestos Information Is Needed
Review the asbestos information available from the client and identify gaps relevant to the proposed design. Coordinate with the client and principal designer, where appointed, so suitable investigation can be arranged before affected work begins.
An architect’s responsibilities depend on their appointed role. Acting as a designer does not automatically make them responsible for commissioning every survey or managing asbestos removal.
Step 2: Provide a Clear Survey Brief
Give the surveyor drawings and a description of the proposed works, including demolition, new openings, service routes and any areas where walls, ceilings or floors will be disturbed. Share existing reports, building history, access restrictions and occupancy arrangements.
Step 3: Review Findings and Limitations
Check that the report covers the intended work areas. Identify inaccessible spaces, presumed asbestos and any further investigation required. Raise unresolved gaps with the project team before work that could disturb those areas proceeds.
Step 4: Use the Findings in the Design
Where reasonably practicable, eliminate foreseeable risks through design. Where risks remain, reduce or control them and communicate the relevant information to the project team.
Coordinate any necessary asbestos work with the client, principal designer and contractors, and update the design and project information when the scope changes.
Steps to Asbestos Safety in Design
Awareness and Training
Architects should be aware of asbestos risks and receive training appropriate to their role to understand where asbestos may occur and the risks of disturbing it and their hazards.
Client Communication
Obtain existing asbestos reports from clients and request any additional information about ACMs on-site.
Coordination with Surveyors
Work with a competent asbestos surveyor who has suitable training, experience and procedures for the project. HSE strongly recommends using a UKAS-accredited asbestos surveying organisation.
Agree the survey scope, access arrangements and limitations in advance. Refurbishment and demolition surveys involve intrusive investigation, so affected areas must be vacated during the survey and confirmed fit for reoccupation afterwards.
Compliance with Regulations
Follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Ensure contractors and clients understand their roles in managing asbestos.
Health and Safety Integration
Include relevant asbestos information and remaining risks in the design and project documentation. Coordinate with competent contractors on the work requirements rather than prescribing a generic removal method
Why Asbestos Surveys are Essential
Buildings constructed before 2000 often contain asbestos. Without proper management, ACMs can release harmful fibres, causing diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Non-compliance with regulations can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Ensuring asbestos safety through surveys protects everyone involved in the project.
For expert guidance on asbestos surveys, visit Complete Asbestos Surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an asbestos survey isn’t conducted?
Failing to conduct a survey can expose workers and occupants to asbestos fibers, leading to serious health risks. Non-compliance also results in legal and financial penalties.
How do architects choose the right asbestos survey?
The survey type depends on the project scope. Minor refurbishments may require a management survey, while major work needs a refurbishment and demolition survey.
What should architects do if ACMs are identified?
Review the survey report, arrange for professional removal or encapsulation, and update design plans to include safety measures.
How Do Architects Choose the Right Asbestos Survey?
Choose the survey according to the materials and areas the proposed work will disturb, rather than the project’s size or cost.
A management survey supports normal occupation and routine maintenance. Where refurbishment will disturb the building fabric, a refurbishment survey should cover the affected areas, including concealed spaces. Even a small project may need this investigation. Demolition requires a survey covering the structure being demolished.
Provide your surveyor with drawings and a clear description of the planned work so the scope, access requirements and limitations can be agreed. An existing management survey may not cover the proposed works.
Read our guide to choosing the right asbestos survey for more information.
What Should Architects Do If Asbestos-Containing Materials Are Identified?
Review the findings against the proposed design and discuss the implications with the project team. Consider whether disturbance can be avoided through design changes. Where asbestos work is necessary, it must be planned and carried out by appropriately competent contractors, with an HSE licence where required. Communicate remaining risks and any survey limitations.
