Management Survey
How long does a management survey take?
A typical house takes 1-2 hours on site. A small commercial unit is usually half a day. Reports follow within a few working days once the lab results are back.
Is a management survey intrusive?
Only slightly. We take small samples and seal each sample point. We do not lift floors or open up walls; that is a refurbishment and demolition survey.
Do I need one for my house?
There is no legal duty for an owner-occupied home, but it is strongly advised before any DIY or building work in a home built before 2000.
How often should it be updated?
The register should be re-inspected at least once a year, or sooner if materials are in poor condition.
R&D Survey
Can I stay in the house during the survey?
You can stay in the property but not in the rooms being surveyed while we open them up.
Will there be damage?
Yes, small holes and lifted coverings in the work area, because hidden materials must be checked. We make the area safe before we leave.
Is it a legal requirement?
For any work by contractors in a pre-2000 building, asbestos must be identified before work starts. An R&D survey is how that is done.
How quickly can you come out?
We can often attend within a few days anywhere in the North West, with results usually 3-5 working days later.
Asbestos Testing
How long do results take?
Usually 2-3 working days. Same-day or next-day results are available at extra cost.
Can I take the sample myself?
Home test kits exist, but sampling disturbs the material. We recommend a trained sampler, especially for boards and lagging, which can release fibres easily.
How much material do you take?
A piece about the size of a fingernail, taken with the area wetted and then sealed.
What if it is positive?
We will explain whether it can be left, sealed or needs removing, and quote for any work if you want us to.
Air Testing
What is a four-stage clearance?
Four checks by an independent analyst: that the job is complete and the site is in order, a thorough visual inspection inside the enclosure, air testing, and a final check once the enclosure has been taken down. It is required at the end of licensed work.
Do you do the clearance on your own removal jobs?
No. Clearances are always carried out by an independent UKAS-accredited analyst, as required by HSE guidance.
How soon can you test after an incident?
Leave the area, close it off and call us. We aim to arrange testing as quickly as possible, often the same or next day.
What reading is safe?
The clearance indicator is below 0.01 fibres per cm3 of air.
Asbestos Removal
Do you need a licence to remove asbestos?
Not for most cement products, floor tiles and textured coatings. Sprayed coatings, lagging and most asbestos insulating board need an HSE-licensed contractor. Licensed work is carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor that we appoint and manage for you, so you still deal with one company from survey to clearance.
How long does removal take?
A garage roof or small room is usually one day. Larger jobs are planned around you.
What happens to the waste?
It is double-bagged or wrapped, labelled, carried by a registered waste carrier and disposed of at a licensed site. You get a consignment note.
Can you replace what you remove?
Yes. We can fit a new garage roof, boards or ceilings as part of the same job.
Licensed Removal
Why is there a 14-day wait?
HSE must receive notification of licensed work at least 14 days before it starts, unless HSE agrees a waiver for a genuine emergency.
Can I stay in the property?
The enclosure is sealed, so other areas can usually stay in use. We advise case by case.
Who issues the clearance?
An independent UKAS-accredited analyst who is not part of the removal company.
Is AIB always licensed?
Most AIB work is licensed. Some very short, minor tasks can be non-licensed, but we will assess and tell you.