Domestic and Commercial Asbestos: When Do You Need a Survey, Management or Removal?

Asbestos can be found in many different types of buildings, from family homes and garages to offices, industrial premises and other commercial properties. Although the circumstances may differ, the priority remains the same: identifying potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and ensuring they are managed safely and appropriately. 

At ID Asbestos, we support both domestic and commercial clients across Norfolk and Suffolk, providing professional asbestos surveys, testing, management advice and removal services to suit the requirements of each project. 



One of the more concerning discoveries during a home renovation or refurbishment can be a material suspected of containing asbestos. 

Asbestos was widely used in UK construction because of its durability, insulating properties and resistance to heat and fire. Although its use was fully banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos-containing materials may still be present in many older properties.

Depending on the age and history of a property, asbestos may be found in materials including: 

• Textured coatings (more commonly known as Artex) 
• Thermoplastic floor tiles and associated adhesives 
• Asbestos insulating board (AIB) 
• Pipe and boiler insulation 
• Cement roofing sheets on garages, sheds and outbuildings 
• Soffits, panels and other asbestos cement products 

The presence of asbestos does not necessarily mean it needs to be removed. If an asbestos-containing material is in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed, appropriate management may sometimes be the safest approach. 

However, if you are planning renovation, maintenance or demolition work that could disturb a suspected material, it is important to establish whether asbestos is present before proceeding. 

If you encounter a suspicious material during work, stop and avoid disturbing it further. A professional asbestos survey or sample analysis can help determine what the material contains and what action, if any, is required. 

What if You're Renting or Leasing a property?

If you're renting or leasing a property in East Anglia and are concerned that it may contain asbestos, our guide to where asbestos may be found in the home can help you understand some of the common locations and materials to look out for. 

Rather than attempting to inspect or disturb a suspected material yourself, raise your concerns with your landlord or the person responsible for maintaining the property. 

If appropriate, they can arrange for a competent asbestos professional to assess the suspected material and determine whether it needs to be monitored, managed or safely removed.

What Are Your Responsibilities for Managing Asbestos in Commercial Properties? 

Managing asbestos in commercial and other non-domestic premises involves additional responsibilities. 

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the person or organisation responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises may have a legal duty to manage asbestos. Depending on the arrangements for a building, this responsibility can rest with one or more parties. 

Effective asbestos management can include identifying known or suspected asbestos-containing materials, assessing their condition and the likelihood that they could be disturbed, maintaining appropriate records and ensuring relevant information is available to anyone who may work on or disturb those materials. 

Before certain refurbishment or demolition projects begin, a more intrusive asbestos survey may also be required to identify ACMs that could be affected by the proposed works. 

Our team can assess the requirements of your project and help determine the appropriate asbestos service, from surveys and identification through to management and removal where necessary. 

Taking the correct approach helps protect employees, contractors, occupants and visitors while supporting those responsible for a property in meeting their legal duties.

Safe and Compliant Asbestos Removal 

Where asbestos removal is necessary, the method used depends on factors including the type and condition of the asbestos-containing material and the nature of the work being carried out. 

Certain higher-risk asbestos work is classed as licensable and must be undertaken by a contractor holding the appropriate HSE licence. Other asbestos work may be non-licensed or notifiable non-licensed work, but it must still be properly assessed, planned and completed using suitable controls. 

This is why professional assessment is so important. There is no single removal procedure that applies to every asbestos project.

Our Approach to Asbestos Safety 

Every asbestos project should be carefully assessed so that appropriate controls can be selected for the work involved. 

Depending on the type of work, these controls may include: 

• Preparing a suitable plan of work and risk assessment 
• Restricting access to the work area 
• Using appropriate respiratory and personal protective equipment 
• Using controlled working methods to minimise the release and spread of asbestos fibres 
• Using an enclosure and negative-pressure equipment where required 
• Correctly packaging, labelling, transporting and disposing of asbestos waste 
• Completing the appropriate inspection and clearance procedures before an area is returned to normal use 

For applicable licensed asbestos removal work, an independent UKAS-accredited analyst may undertake the required four-stage clearance procedure, including air monitoring, before issuing a Certificate for Reoccupation. 

The exact controls required will always depend on the asbestos-containing material, its condition and the work being undertaken. 

Domestic or Commercial, Get the Right Advice Before You Start 

Whether you've discovered a suspicious material during a home renovation, need an asbestos survey before refurbishment works or require support managing asbestos across commercial premises, getting the right advice early can prevent unnecessary disruption and help ensure the work is carried out safely. 

Our qualified asbestos team brings over 25 years of experience to domestic and commercial projects, helping clients identify, manage and, where necessary, safely remove asbestos-containing materials. 

If you have a question about asbestos or would like to discuss an upcoming project in Norfolk, Suffolk or the surrounding area, get in touch with the ID Asbestos team today.