The HSE is cracking down on contractors that cannot provide evidence that an adequate asbestos survey has been carried out.

The requirement to manage asbestos is described in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and the survey guidance HSg 264, which assists duty holders to ensure that appropriate surveys are carried out. All surveys must provide sufficient information on the location and type of asbestos within a building.

There are now only two types of asbestos surveys. These are:

Management surveys
These involve minor intrusive work and some possible disturbance. Its purpose is to locate, as far as is reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any asbestos or Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in the building. These surveys will help clients and duty holders prioritise and manage asbestos.

Refurbishment and demolition surveys
These surveys are required for all work which disturbs the fabric of the building. Its purpose is to identify where asbestos is, its type, its condition, if damage has occurred, and the whereabouts of any asbestos debris. These surveys must be carried out before work commences on site.

Contractors that cannot provide evidence of such a survey to show that workers are not being exposed to asbestos could land in hot water, with HSE likely to issue a Prohibition Notice.