The Risks of Delaying an Asbestos Survey: When is the Right Time to Take Action?

Adam Fox • 4 May 2023

It is essential to understand the risks of asbestos exposure, the importance of asbestos surveys, and when they should be undertaken

Introduction to Asbestos Surveys


Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was commonly used in building materials until 2000. It was prized for its insulating and fire-resistant properties and was used in everything from roofing tiles and floor tiles to insulation and cement. However, it was later discovered that asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.


To protect the health of occupants and workers, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 was introduced, which requires that all non-domestic buildings be surveyed for asbestos. As a result, it is essential to understand the risks of asbestos exposure, the importance of asbestos surveys, and when they should be undertaken.


Understanding the Risks of Asbestos Exposure


Asbestos fibers are tiny and can easily become airborne when disturbed, such as during renovations or demolitions. When inhaled, these fibers can cause damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to serious health problems. It can take years or even decades for asbestos-related diseases to develop, and there is no known cure.


The risk of asbestos exposure is highest for those who work in industries where asbestos was commonly used, such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. However, anyone who comes into contact with asbestos-containing materials, such as homeowners and building occupants, can be at risk.


The Importance of Asbestos Surveys


Asbestos surveys are essential for identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. The survey will identify the type, location, and condition of the ACMs, which is essential for managing the risks of asbestos exposure. Based on the survey results, an asbestos management plan can be developed to ensure the safe handling and removal of the ACMs.


When Should an Asbestos Survey be Undertaken?


An asbestos survey should be undertaken as soon as possible, especially if the building was constructed before the year 2000. This is because asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in building materials until the 1980s, and it was not fully banned until 1999.

An asbestos survey should also be undertaken before any renovation or demolition work takes place. This is because disturbing ACMs can release asbestos fibres into the air, increasing the risk of exposure. It is essential to identify any ACMs before work begins to ensure that they can be managed or removed safely.


The Consequences of Delaying an Asbestos Survey


Delaying an asbestos survey can have serious consequences. If ACMs are present in a building and are not identified, they can be disturbed during renovations or demolitions, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. This can lead to serious health problems for building occupants and workers, as well as legal and financial consequences for building owners.


If ACMs are identified during a survey, they can be managed or removed safely, reducing the risks of asbestos exposure. However, if they are not identified, building owners can be held liable for any health problems that result from asbestos exposure.


The Costs of Delaying an Asbestos Survey


Delaying an asbestos survey can also result in higher costs in the long run. If ACMs are identified early, they can be managed or removed safely and at a lower cost. However, if they are not identified, they can become more difficult and expensive to manage or remove.

In addition, if ACMs are disturbed during renovations or demolitions, the cost of remediation can be significant. This can include the cost of cleaning up the asbestos fibres, as well as legal and financial consequences.


Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and Legal Requirements


The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that all non-domestic buildings be surveyed for asbestos, and that an asbestos management plan be developed and implemented. The regulations also require that anyone who may be exposed to asbestos at work be trained in asbestos awareness.

Building owners and employers have a legal duty to manage the risks of asbestos exposure, which includes identifying any ACMs and managing them safely. Failure to do so can result in legal and financial consequences.


Choosing the Right Asbestos Surveying Company


Choosing the right asbestos surveying company is essential for ensuring that the survey is conducted correctly and that the results are accurate. It is important to choose a company that has extensive experience in undertaking asbestos surveys like Consulo Compliance where we have over 20 years of experience.


It is also important to choose a company that uses the most up-to-date equipment and techniques, as this can improve the accuracy of the survey results. Additionally, the company should provide a clear and detailed report that includes recommendations for managing any identified ACMs.


Asbestos Survey Process and What to Expect


The asbestos survey process typically includes the following steps:


1.   Pre-survey information: The surveying company will gather information about the building, including its age and construction materials.

2.   Survey: The surveying company will conduct a visual inspection of the building, taking samples of suspected ACMs if necessary.

3.   Analysis: The samples will be analyzed in a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos.

4.   Report: The surveying company will provide a report that includes the survey results, including the type, location, and condition of any identified ACMs.

5.   Recommendations: The report will include recommendations for managing any identified ACMs, including removal or encapsulation.


Conclusion and the Importance of Taking Action


In conclusion, delaying an asbestos survey can have serious consequences, both in terms of health risks and legal and financial consequences. Asbestos surveys should be undertaken as soon as possible, especially before any renovations or demolitions take place. Building owners and employers have a legal duty to manage the risks of asbestos exposure, which includes identifying any ACMs and managing them safely.

Choosing the right asbestos surveying company is essential for ensuring that the survey is conducted correctly and that the results are accurate. By taking action and identifying any ACMs, building owners can ensure the safety of occupants and workers, as well as avoid legal and financial consequences.


If you are in need of an asbestos survey, contact Consulo Compliance today to ensure the safety of your building and its occupants.


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by Adam Fox 9 April 2025
Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
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