Asbestos Survey Types: Management Survey vs Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
There are two types of asbestos survey under current HSE guidance (MDHS100, 2012 edition): the management survey and the refurbishment and demolition survey. They serve different purposes, require different levels of intrusion, and are required in different circumstances. This guide explains the difference and helps you choose the right survey.
Management Survey
A management survey is the standard survey required to manage asbestos in a building that is occupied or in normal use. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building that could be disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition.
The survey involves minor intrusive work and some disturbance of building fabric. The surveyor will take samples of suspect materials for laboratory analysis. Areas that are inaccessible or where access would cause undue damage are noted as presumed to contain asbestos.
Use for
- Complying with the duty to manage (CAR 2012 Reg 4)
- Preparing the asbestos management plan
- Routine maintenance and minor works planning
- Property purchase due diligence
Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
A refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work that is likely to disturb the fabric of the building. It is a fully intrusive survey — all areas that will be disturbed must be accessed and all suspect materials must be sampled. No presumption of asbestos is acceptable in the areas to be disturbed.
The survey must be completed before the refurbishment or demolition work begins. It is the basis for planning any asbestos removal work required before or during the project.
Use for
- Refurbishment, fit-out, or strip-out projects
- Structural alterations or extensions
- Full or partial demolition
- Planning licensed asbestos removal work
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criterion | Management Survey | Refurb/Demolition Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Identify and assess ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance | Identify all ACMs that could be disturbed by refurbishment or demolition work |
| Intrusion level | Minor — limited intrusive sampling, representative of normal maintenance access | Fully intrusive — all areas that will be disturbed must be accessed and sampled |
| When required | Before occupation of non-domestic premises; as the basis for the asbestos management plan | Before any refurbishment, fit-out, or demolition work that will disturb the fabric of the building |
| Legal basis | CAR 2012 Regulation 4 (duty to manage); HSE guidance MDHS100 | CAR 2012 Regulation 7 (work with asbestos); HSE guidance MDHS100 |
| Output | Asbestos register with location plans, condition assessments, and management recommendations | Asbestos register covering all areas to be disturbed, with material assessment and removal recommendations |
| Presumption of asbestos | Surveyor may presume asbestos is present in materials that cannot be safely sampled | All materials in the refurbishment zone must be sampled — no presumption is acceptable |
| Suitable for licensing purposes | No — a management survey is not sufficient to plan licensed removal work | Yes — a refurbishment/demolition survey is the basis for planning licensed removal work |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which survey do I need before starting a refurbishment?
You need a refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey before any refurbishment work that will disturb the fabric of the building — including fitting out, strip-out, structural alterations, and full demolition. A management survey is not sufficient for this purpose. The R&D survey must cover all areas that will be disturbed, and all materials in those areas must be sampled. The survey must be completed before the refurbishment work begins.
Can I use a management survey to plan asbestos removal?
No. A management survey is designed to identify ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance. It does not require full intrusive access to all areas, and it may presume asbestos is present in materials that cannot be safely sampled. For planned removal work, a refurbishment and demolition survey is required to confirm the type, quantity, and condition of all ACMs in the areas to be disturbed.
What is the difference between a Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 survey?
The old Type 1/2/3 classification was used under the previous MDHS100 (2001) guidance. It was replaced by the current management survey / refurbishment and demolition survey classification in the 2012 edition of MDHS100. If you have an older survey report that refers to Type 1, 2, or 3, it may be out of date and should be reviewed by a UKAS-accredited surveyor.
How long does an asbestos survey take?
A management survey of a typical 3-bedroom house takes 2–3 hours. A management survey of a commercial building depends on the size and complexity — typically half a day to a full day for a medium-sized office or industrial unit. A refurbishment and demolition survey takes longer because it requires full intrusive access to all areas to be disturbed. We will give you a specific time estimate when you contact us.
Do I need a new survey if I already have one from a previous owner?
An existing survey can be used as the basis for the asbestos management plan, but it should be reviewed to confirm it is still current and accurate. If the building has been altered since the survey, or if the survey is more than 5 years old, a re-survey or re-inspection is advisable. For refurbishment work, a new R&D survey is always required — an old management survey is not sufficient.
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