Surveys and Investigation Identifying the presence, condition, and extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is a legal and practical necessity before undertaking any refurbishment, demolition, or planned maintenance. Without a clear understanding of asbestos risks on site, you risk endangering occupants, delaying works, and breaching regulatory obligations.
At Envirochem, we carry out asbestos surveys and investigations in line with HSG264 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Our UKAS-accredited inspection body (No. 0260) delivers clear, reliable data to support informed decision-making and safe project planning, whether you’re managing social housing, commercial property, or large-scale industrial sites.
Surveys We Conduct
We conduct all recognised types of asbestos survey and investigation depending on your needs, including:
- Management Surveys – to identify and assess ACMs in buildings during normal occupancy.
- Refurbishment Surveys – carried out before intrusive works to locate ACMs that may be disturbed.
- Demolition Surveys – full investigations required before structural demolition or redevelopment.
- Targeted Investigations – when only a specific area or issue needs assessment.
- Re-inspection Surveys – periodic reviews to monitor the condition of known ACMs.
Our surveys can include sampling for laboratory confirmation, photographic documentation, material risk assessments, and location maps.
Our Process
Our consultants begin by reviewing your site requirements, previous asbestos records (if available), and planned works. We advise on the most appropriate type of survey for your situation and coordinate access, tenant liaison, and health and safety planning where required.
Surveys are carried out by experienced, qualified surveyors in accordance with HSG264. Any suspect materials are sampled and analysed at our in-house UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227), with turnaround times to suit your project schedule.
You’ll receive a clear, structured report detailing the location, extent, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials, including photographs, recommendations, and risk assessments to inform your next steps.
When Is An Asbestos Survey Required?
Asbestos surveys or investigations may be required when:
- You are planning refurbishment or demolition works on a property built before 2000
- You manage a commercial or public building and need to comply with Regulation 4 of CAR 2012
- There is no existing or up-to-date asbestos register for the site
- Known ACMs require monitoring or reinspection
- Tenants or contractors have raised concerns about suspect materials
- You are planning to purchase or sell a property and require due diligence information
If you're unsure what type of survey you need, our team can advise on the most proportionate and compliant approach.
Compliance and Risk Considerations
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), anyone responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises has a legal duty to manage asbestos. This includes identifying the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assessing the risk of disturbance, and ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken before any work is carried out. A suitable asbestos survey is the first step in fulfilling this duty. Without one, you risk unintentionally exposing workers, contractors, and building occupants to airborne asbestos fibres, a serious health hazard linked to conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
From a regulatory perspective, failure to commission an appropriate asbestos survey can lead to enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, prosecution, or substantial fines. These risks increase significantly if refurbishment or demolition begins without a full understanding of asbestos risks on site. In addition to legal and health consequences, failing to identify ACMs early can disrupt works, cause costly delays, and introduce liabilities later in the project lifecycle. Inaccurate or outdated survey data may lead to rework, re-inspection, or exposure incidents that could have been avoided with timely investigation.
Why Choose Envirochem?
Envirochem brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in asbestos inspection, testing, and compliance support. As a UKAS-accredited inspection body (No. 0260) and UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 1227), we deliver surveys that meet the highest technical and regulatory standards.
At Envirochem, we understand that no two sites are the same. Whether you're managing a commercial property portfolio, planning refurbishment works, or overseeing demolition of a large industrial structure, we tailor our approach to your project’s size, scope, and practical constraints. Our surveyors are experienced in complex environments, including healthcare, education, housing, and defence, and know how to conduct thorough investigations without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Where asbestos is found, we help you understand not only the risk, but the pathway to resolution. Our reports are clear, structured, and designed to support next steps — whether that’s removal, management, or further investigation. If your site has previous survey data, we can advise on whether it remains valid, or whether a new or updated survey is required to meet your legal duties.
We also offer continuity of service across all asbestos-related needs, from survey through to air monitoring, sample analysis, and removal oversight. This joined-up approach ensures you aren’t left navigating fragmented advice or disjointed services and allows you to move forward with clarity, confidence, and full legal compliance.
Speak to Our Team
If you need support with asbestos surveying or investigation, get in touch with our expert team. We’ll help you determine the right survey type for your site and deliver clear, reliable data that supports safe and compliant decision-making.
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