Planning a demolition? Asbestos must be removed first.
Demolishing a building without first identifying and removing asbestos is illegal in virtually every jurisdiction. Demolition generates enormous volumes of dust and debris, and any asbestos present will be released into the environment, contaminating the site and surrounding areas.
A refurbishment and demolition survey (Type 3 / invasive survey) is required before any demolition work. This involves destructive inspection to access hidden materials behind walls, above ceilings, and below floors.
All identified asbestos must be removed by licensed contractors before demolition begins. The demolition permit typically requires proof that asbestos has been cleared from the site.
The Problem
Commercial demolition projects, retail buildings, shopping centres, and mixed-use complexes, involve large volumes of material that may contain asbestos. Fire protection systems, suspended ceilings, column cladding, and mechanical service areas are all high-probability locations.
The scale of commercial demolition means any asbestos contamination spreads rapidly through dust and debris. Demolition contractors require proof that the site has been cleared of asbestos before they will begin work, and regulators require documented evidence of lawful removal.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
What asbestos surveys are required before demolition?
A full refurbishment/demolition survey must be completed before any demolition begins. This intrusive survey accesses all areas of the building, including behind walls and above ceilings, to identify every ACM that must be removed prior to demolition.
What type of asbestos survey is needed before demolition?
A demolition and refurbishment survey (also called a pre-demolition survey) is required. This is a fully invasive survey that accesses all areas of the structure, including those normally inaccessible, to identify every asbestos-containing material before any demolition work starts.
What must be completed prior to the start of demolition operations?
A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey must be completed and all identified ACMs safely removed before demolition begins. The HSE must be notified 14 days in advance for licensed removal work.
How long does asbestos stay in the air after demolition?
Asbestos fibres can remain airborne for many hours after disturbance, depending on ventilation and particle size. Professional air monitoring is required after any demolition involving ACMs before the area can be reoccupied.
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