Asbestos warning sign on metal sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete Asbestos Surveys are regularly asked queries and questions. Below are a number of asbestos-related questions that we often get asked. If you cannot find the answer below we’re always just a call or a click away to have a chat and put your mind at ease.

General

Can you rent a property with asbestos?

You can but you have a legal responsibility to inform the tenant if asbestos is present or if any contractors are likely to come into contact with asbestos. Communal areas must have an asbestos survey in place. These include lift shafts, stairwells, risers etc. We recommend having a full asbestos management survey carried out to protect your tenants and property.

Can you sell a house with asbestos in it?

Yes you can although the buyer will most likely arrange for a home buyer survey where some obvious types would be picked up and possibly negotiated from your asking price. We can always give you removal costing at this stage.

Where could asbestos be located in my property?

Asbestos can be found in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000. It is in many of the common materials used in the building trade that you may come across during your work. Check out the where is asbestos page for more information.

What can I do about asbestos in my home?

If you believe you have asbestos in your home, please don’t touch it. If the material is generally in good condition and in place likely not to be disturbed then the best option is to leave it in place. If the material needs removing or likely to be disturbed then get in touch with a professional company like ourselves.

Can we leave asbestos in our property?

Asbestos containing materials aren’t dangerous and are very risk as long as they aren’t damaged or disturbed. If the asbestos is in good condition we will assess it and you may leave it where it is. Recommendations are within the survey report.

Do you need an asbestos survey to sell a commercial property?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states the responsibilities for non-domestic properties. Any commercial property built or refurbished before 1999 must have an asbestos survey in place. If you haven’t got a survey in place we can help. Get in touch.

Identifying Asbestos

What asbestos survey do I need?

Surveys will typically fall into the two categories; a management asbestos survey or a refurbishment/demolition survey. To find out which of these asbestos surveys you’ll need, contact Complete Asbestos Surveys now.

How much does an asbestos survey cost?

The cost of a survey is based on the type of the survey and the size of the property.  Get in touch and we can send over a quotation based on your project. The survey will be tailored to your requirements to ensure you get the best value.

Do I need an asbestos survey?

If you manage or own a non-domestic property built or refurbished before 2000 then you must have an asbestos survey carried out under the control of asbestos regulations. If you are unsure, get in touch as we will let you know if you need to comply with the law.

How long does the asbestos survey take?

Timescales of the work depends on the survey and sizing of the property. Once the survey is complete we can turn the reports around in as little as 48hrs.

Will the survey impact my work / home life?

Complete Asbestos Surveys will always work alongside the client, working out of hours or at times to suit. Depending on the type of asbestos survey will depend on if rooms need to be vacant.

Will the asbestos survey damage the building?

Management asbestos surveys aren’t intrusive and only sample what isn’t hidden. Refurbishment / demolition surveys require all surfaces checked for any hidden asbestos. The last thing you want is for any nasty surprises when carrying out planned works.

Will a survey find asbestos?

A home buyers survey might suggest some of the most obvious areas that may contain asbestos, but the surveyor is not qualified in asbestos surveys and he doesn’t take samples. In this case get in touch with us and we can arrange for the correct asbestos survey to be carried out.

Do asbestos surveyors need to be qualified?

Yes they do, all staff at Complete Asbestos Surveys are BOHS P02 trained with a minimum of 15yrs experience within the industry.

How long does it take before I receive my survey report?

Complete Asbestos Surveys utilise software which allows us to turn around the reports in as little as 48hrs from the survey to completion.

What lead time is required to book in the survey?

It is always good to plan works in with as much notice as possible but we understand clients may need to book these in last minute so with 2-3 days’ notice we can arrange surveys to be carried out.

How do I choose an asbestos surveyor?

The specialist competent team has over 15 years’ experience within the industry where we carry out the safe asbestos surveys at cost effective prices. The surveyor must have the following – 

  1. Have asbestos survey knowledge and understand the risks in surveying.
  2. Have training and experience (We have P402 minimum)
  3. Use an effective quality management system (Complete asbestos surveys use specific software solely for asbestos surveying)
  4. Should be able to demonstrate impartiality and integrity.
  5. Do their work in accordance with good practice guidance (All work carried out to HSG264)

How often are asbestos surveys required?

The HSE state the time between inspections will depend on the type of material, where it is and its condition, but it should be at least every six to 12 months. Complete Asbestos Surveys will advise you depending on your survey findings.

Who is responsible for asbestos management survey?

Typically it is the owner of the property who is responsible for asbestos management. The owner has the responsibility for the premises or might have responsibility for the common parts of multi-occupied buildings. If you are the landlord or managing agent you should check your contract to establish whether you are responsible. If you are the duty holder responsible, it is up to you to carry out a risk assessment and have an asbestos management plan in place to limit the risk of any exposure to asbestos. The asbestos management survey is the key first step.

Asbestos Testing

Can I test asbestos myself?

You can sample your own asbestos but we wouldn’t endorse this. Why would you potentially expose yourself or others to asbestos without any training? Get in touch where we can arrange for suspect materials to be sampled and tested.

What are the three levels of sampling asbestos?

This is a question we get asked, unfortunately what the client actually means is what are the three types of asbestos surveys. These are Asbestos management surveys, asbestos refurbishment and asbestos demolition surveys.

How do you get a sample of asbestos?

If the suspect material has already broken off, you can take the sample yourself if there is no risk of spreading debris or exposing yourself to dust. Dampen the material down using a little spray bottle with a mixture of water and washing up liquid. Use a small “zip-lock” bag to seal the sample, then place that inside a second “zip-lock” bag. The bags should be clean and dry. You can then write down the information required, ie location, material sampled, address and any sample numbers.

Removing Asbestos

Can I remove asbestos by myself?

We advise everyone to never handle or try to remove asbestos yourself. Asbestos becomes harmful once it has been disturbed, you should always use a specialist company. Why would you would put yourself and those around you at serious risk.

Does asbestos always need removing?

The simple answer is no, asbestos is safe when left in good condition, ideally sealed and in a position where it is unlikely to be undisturbed. Asbestos management plans advise you on best recommendations for your asbestos.

How much does asbestos removal cost?

The cost is based upon each project, the quantity, the type, the location are all factors. Complete asbestos offer a price match on any genuine quote and can get you booked in very quickly if required. You can get a free quotation carried out here.

Can complete asbestos surveys help with any survey recommendations?

Yes complete asbestos can arrange any removals, encapsulation or labelling recommendations found within the report. We can project manage any asbestos removal project.

Do you need a qualification to remove asbestos?

Due to the severe dangers involved in removing asbestos, anyone removing asbestos professionally must have the correct qualifications, training, knowledge and experience.

Disposing of Asbestos

Are you certified to collect asbestos waste?

Yes we hold a waste carriers license from the environmental agency allowing us to collect, carry and dispose of asbestos.

How much does asbestos disposal cost?

The cost of asbestos disposal depends on the quantity and location of the asbestos. Complete asbestos offer a price match on any genuine quote and can get you booked in very quickly if required. You can get a free quotation carried out here.

Can you take asbestos to local tip?

Some local authorities will take asbestos but they have certain regulations. Asbestos must be double wrapped in 1000 guage polythene sealed with duct tape. Most councils now charge you to dispose of the asbestos.

How should I dispose of asbestos waste?

It is strongly recommended you use a waste carrier to collect and dispose of your asbestos. Why would you risk carrying asbestos yourself? Don’t risk potentially exposing other people or contaminating a vehicle to dispose of asbestos yourself. Get in touch and we will give you a disposal cost.

How soon can my waste be collected?

We aim to respond with 48 hours or sooner for our asbestos collection service. The collection and disposal involves wrapping / bagging the asbestos prior to loading into the designated waste van.

What amounts of asbestos do you collect?

Our collection service is for the smaller loads such as asbestos roof sheets and bagged asbestos waste but we can also bag up at source.

Any large asbestos loads would be more cost effective to hire an appropriate asbestos skip where we can load for you.

Can you put asbestos tiles in a skip?

No you can’t, asbestos must be double bagged and disposed of at a licensed waste transfer station. Complete Asbestos Surveys can arrange for your asbestos tiles to be disposed of correctly. Get in touch and book in your collection.

How do you get rid of asbestos UK?

You should always use an asbestos specialist to dispose of your asbestos. However if this isn’t the case you need to handle with care and use a council collection service (if your local authority offers this).

Request a Quote

Get in touch with Complete Asbestos today for a free no obligation quotation on any size asbestos removal or survey project.