How Long Is an Asbestos Survey Valid For?

An asbestos survey is a vital part of managing asbestos in buildings, helping duty holders identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assess the associated risks, and take appropriate action to ensure safety. But one of the most common questions raised is: how long is an asbestos survey valid for? The answer depends not on a fixed expiry date, but on the condition of the building, the materials found, and whether any changes have occurred that could affect the risk.

No Formal Expiry Date — But It’s Not “Forever”

There is no specific time limit set in legislation for how long an asbestos survey remains valid. However, a survey is only considered current for as long as the information remains accurate. This means that if the building, occupancy, or condition of asbestos materials changes, the survey may quickly become outdated. For example:

• If a building undergoes refurbishment or demolition work, the original management survey may no longer be sufficient.

• If damage or deterioration is suspected in any ACMs, a re-inspection or updated assessment is needed.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires duty holders to manage asbestos risks effectively, which includes keeping the asbestos register (informed by the survey) up to date and regularly reviewing it.

Management Surveys and Ongoing Monitoring

A management survey is designed to locate ACMs that might be disturbed during normal occupation or minor maintenance. After the initial survey, the findings are recorded in an asbestos register, which must be reviewed at least once a year or more frequently if there is reason to believe the condition of ACMs may have changed.

This means that while the survey document itself might be a few years old, its information remains valid only if the condition of the ACMs has not changed and the register has been regularly updated. In practice, a re-inspection of identified asbestos is typically carried out every 12 months to ensure materials are still in good condition and not presenting a higher risk.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

A refurbishment or demolition survey is required before any major work is carried out on a building. These surveys are more intrusive and are designed to locate all ACMs that may be disturbed during the planned work. Unlike a management survey, a refurbishment/demolition survey is specific to the scope of the work being planned.

As such, it cannot be reused for future works unless the project is identical and the building conditions have remained unchanged. If additional works are planned, a new survey will be required that covers those areas and activities.

Conclusion

In summary, while an asbestos survey does not have a fixed expiry date, its validity depends on the accuracy and currency of the information it contains. Regular reviews, inspections, and updates are essential to ensure continued legal compliance and safety. For most buildings, this means reviewing the asbestos register at least annually, with re-inspections of identified ACMs every 12 months or sooner if necessary. For any refurbishment or demolition work, a new survey specific to the project will be required, regardless of how recent the last one was.