Your Asbestos Survey is Done. Now What? 2/3

This is Part 2 of a blog series called The Asbestos Journey for homeowners. Part 1 here.

So your asbestos survey has been completed and the report is sitting in your inbox. For many property owners, this is where confusion sets in. The document is detailed, the terminology can be technical, and it is not always obvious what you are actually supposed to do next.

This post will walk you through exactly how to interpret your survey results, what the risk ratings mean in practice, and what your legal obligations are depending on what was found. Think of it as your plain-English guide to what happens after the survey.

Understanding the survey report

Your asbestos survey report will list every material that was either confirmed or suspected to contain asbestos, along with its location, the type of asbestos identified, and a risk assessment score. This score is based on several factors including the material’s condition, its accessibility, whether it is likely to be disturbed, and what the potential exposure risk would be if fibres were released.

Most reports use a scoring system or traffic light style classification. Materials rated as low risk in good condition are generally safe to leave in place provided they are monitored. Materials rated as high risk, in poor condition, or in locations where they are likely to be disturbed, will usually require more urgent action.

Not all asbestos needs to be removed immediately

This surprises a lot of people. Many assume that once asbestos is identified, it has to come out straight away. That is not the case. In fact, in certain situations, removing asbestos can actually create more risk than leaving it in place, because removal involves disturbing the material and that is when fibres become airborne.

Where asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, are not in an area of high footfall or activity, and are not going to be disturbed by planned work, the recommended approach is often to manage them in place. This is what an asbestos management plan is for.

What is an asbestos management plan?

An asbestos management plan is a formal document that sets out how you will manage any asbestos-containing materials identified in your survey. It records where they are, what condition they are in, and what steps you are taking to ensure they remain safe. It also outlines a programme of regular monitoring so that any deterioration is caught early.

For commercial property owners and employers, having an asbestos management plan is not optional. Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, there is a legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. This duty applies to building owners, employers, and anyone who is responsible for the maintenance of a building. Failing to comply can result in significant legal and financial consequences.

The plan must be kept up to date and reviewed regularly. It should also be made available to anyone who might be working on or around the building, including contractors and maintenance teams.

When is removal the right option?

There are circumstances where removal is the appropriate course of action. These include:

• The material is in poor or deteriorating condition and poses an active risk
• You are planning renovation, refurbishment, or demolition work that will disturb the area where asbestos is present
• The material is in a high-traffic area where accidental damage is likely
• Ongoing management is not practical given the type or location of the material

Where removal is necessary, it must be carried out by a qualified and experienced contractor. Depending on the type of asbestos and the scale of the work involved, a licensed contractor may be required. This is covered in more detail in the third post in this series.

What about encapsulation?

In some cases, a middle ground exists. Encapsulation involves applying a specialist coating or sealant over the asbestos-containing material to prevent fibre release without the need for full removal. It is a viable option for materials that are in reasonable condition but might be at risk of minor disturbance or damage. An experienced asbestos professional can advise whether encapsulation is appropriate in your specific situation.

How ACS can help after your survey

At Asbestos Compliance Solutions, we do not just carry out surveys and hand you a report. We work with you to understand what the results mean and to put the right plan in place. Whether that is producing a compliant asbestos management plan for your commercial premises, advising on whether removal or encapsulation is the right approach, or arranging ongoing monitoring visits, we are with you at every stage.

Our team has years of experience working with businesses, landlords, housing associations, schools, and individual property owners across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. We make the process straightforward and ensure you are fully compliant with your legal obligations.

Not sure what your survey results mean or what you need to do next? Get in touch with the ACS team today and we will walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions