Memberships and Accreditations

Asbestos Surveys in Manchester for Commercial Properties

RB Asbestos provides professional asbestos surveys in Manchester and throughout Greater Manchester, supporting businesses, landlords, property managers, contractors and other dutyholders with reliable asbestos surveying, testing and consultancy.

With more than 30 years of experience in the asbestos industry, our experienced team has worked across a diverse range of commercial and industrial properties, from offices and retail premises to healthcare, education, warehouses and larger property portfolios.

Whether you require an asbestos management survey, refurbishment survey, demolition survey or asbestos testing, our team can advise on the most appropriate service for your property and circumstances.

Professional Asbestos Surveys in Manchester

Every building and project is different, which is why our approach is focused on providing clear, practical information that enables you to understand where asbestos may be present and what action may be required.

Our asbestos surveyors have experience working across a wide variety of Manchester properties, including:-

  • Commercial offices
  • Industrial and manufacturing premises
  • Retail properties
  • Warehouses and distribution centres
  • Schools and educational buildings
  • Healthcare premises
  • Property portfolios
  • Buildings undergoing refurbishment or redevelopment

Whether you need a survey for an existing property, are planning refurbishment or are preparing a building for demolition, we can help you determine which type of asbestos survey is appropriate.

Types of Asbestos Surveys in Manchester

Different properties and projects require different types of asbestos surveys. The most appropriate survey will depend on the age and condition of the building, how it is currently being used and whether any maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work is planned.

RB Asbestos provides a range of professional asbestos surveying and testing services across Manchester and Greater Manchester, helping clients identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and understand how they should be managed.

Asbestos Management Surveys

An asbestos management survey is generally used to help manage asbestos during the normal occupation and use of a commercial or non-domestic property. It aims to identify asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during everyday activities, maintenance and routine building operations.

The information gathered can be used to help maintain an asbestos register and support the property’s asbestos management plan.

Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys

If you are planning significant refurbishment, alteration or demolition work that could disturb the fabric of a building, a more intrusive refurbishment and demolition survey may be required.

These surveys are designed to locate asbestos-containing materials that may be hidden within the building fabric and need to be identified before work begins. Depending on the scope of the project, this can involve more intrusive or destructive inspection than a management survey.

If you’re unsure which survey is required for a Manchester property or refurbishment project, our experienced surveyors can discuss your plans and advise on the appropriate approach.

Asbestos Sampling & Testing

Where a material is suspected of containing asbestos, asbestos sampling and testing can be used to establish whether asbestos is present. Samples are analysed by an appropriately accredited laboratory, providing clear information that can help determine the next steps.

The type and scope of survey required will depend on the individual property and the work being planned. Our team can provide advice before the survey takes place, helping you avoid commissioning an inappropriate survey or unnecessarily restricting its scope.

Want to understand the different asbestos survey types in more detail? Read our guide to Types of Asbestos Surveys over on our blog for a more detailed explanation of management, refurbishment and demolition surveys.

Once the appropriate survey has been identified, our team will explain what is involved and arrange a suitable date for the survey. Find out more about what happens during an asbestos survey below.

How the Asbestos Survey Process Works

Arranging an asbestos survey for a commercial property in Manchester doesn’t need to be complicated. Our team will discuss your property and the work you are planning before recommending the most appropriate type and scope of survey.

1. Discuss your requirements

The first step is to understand the property, its age and use, any previous asbestos information available and whether maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work is planned. This helps establish the appropriate survey type and the areas that need to be inspected.

2. Carry out the asbestos survey

A competent asbestos surveyor will inspect the agreed areas of the property, looking for materials that may contain asbestos. Depending on the type of survey, this may include accessible areas and, where appropriate, more intrusive inspection of the building fabric.

Where suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified, samples may be taken for analysis. Sampling and analysis can help confirm whether a suspect material contains asbestos.

3. Receive your asbestos survey report

Once the survey has been completed and any samples have been analysed, you will receive a detailed report setting out the findings. This can include the location, extent and condition of identified or presumed asbestos-containing materials, together with relevant plans, photographs and sample analysis results where applicable.

The report is designed to provide clear information that can be used to manage asbestos within the property or plan future works safely.

4. Use the information to manage asbestos

For properties subject to the duty to manage asbestos, the information from the survey can be used to maintain an asbestos register, assess risks and develop or update an asbestos management plan. Where refurbishment or demolition is planned, the survey findings can help ensure asbestos-containing materials are identified before work begins.

Our team can explain the findings of your survey and advise on the appropriate next steps if asbestos is identified.

Not sure which survey you need? Contact RB Asbestos and tell us about your Manchester property and the work you are planning. We can help you understand the appropriate survey requirements before arranging a quotation.

Independent Asbestos Advice

RB Asbestos provides independent asbestos surveying and consultancy and does not carry out asbestos removal work.

This means our recommendations are focused on identifying asbestos-containing materials, assessing the associated risks and helping you make informed decisions about how they should be managed.

If asbestos removal is subsequently required, we also have access to a network of appropriately accredited asbestos removal contractors who can assist with the next stage of the process.

Why independent advice matters

As an independent asbestos consultancy, there is no financial incentive for us to recommend asbestos removal simply because asbestos has been identified. Our role is to provide accurate information and practical advice so that you can make an informed decision about how asbestos should be managed.

Capita – Asbestos Survey for Manchester City Centre Redevelopment

R B Asbestos Consultants worked alongside Capita, who were a lead consultant, on a project which saw the demolition of an old city centre warehouse complex in Manchester – to be replaced with a 35 storey tower block. We provided the team with a full refurbishment and demolition asbestos survey.

Working With a Run Down Building

The state of the old building, with missing floors, stairs and partially demolished areas, meant the project was particularly demanding.

We kept our client and various contractors updated at all stages throughout process to ensure the project went ahead with minimal disruption.

If you have any challenging properties or environments, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can let you know how we can help.

See more details of the Manchester project with Capita.

Experienced Manchester Asbestos Surveyors

With more than 30 years of industry experience, RB Asbestos has supported businesses and organisations across Manchester and Greater Manchester with asbestos surveys, testing, management plans, training and consultancy.

Our local experience includes work on older commercial buildings, listed properties, industrial premises and buildings undergoing refurbishment or redevelopment.

We have also worked on significant Manchester projects, including 100 Barbirolli Square, where we were commissioned by Ardmac Performance Contracting to undertake a refurbishment asbestos survey before the building underwent a major refurbishment.

The survey was completed within two weeks, and we subsequently provided ongoing support to the fit-out team through asbestos awareness training. We have also completed similar work at the adjacent 101 Barbirolli Square.

Memberships, Certifications & Accreditations

Our experience is supported by recognised memberships, certifications and accreditations that demonstrate our commitment to professional standards, quality, health and safety and responsible working practices.

RB Asbestos holds a range of recognised credentials, including:-

  • ISO 9001 certification
  • ISOQAR/UKAS certification
  • IATP certification
  • Constructionline
  • SSIP accreditation
  • SafeContractor Approved
  • Acclaim accreditation

These credentials complement our extensive industry experience and provide clients with additional reassurance when choosing an asbestos consultancy for their Manchester property or project.

Our current certificates and accreditation documentation can also be viewed through the RB Asbestos Resource Centre.

Why Manchester businesses choose RB Asbestos

  • 30+ years of asbestos experience
  • Manchester and Greater Manchester coverage
  • Commercial asbestos specialists
  • Management, refurbishment & demolition surveys
  • ISO accreditation
  • Independent asbestos consultancy

Asbestos Surveys Across Manchester & Greater Manchester

Our asbestos surveyors cover Manchester city centre and the surrounding Greater Manchester area, including:-

Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, Oldham, Stockport, Salford, Leigh, Altrincham,  Ashton-under-Lyne, Stalybridge, Swinton, Irlam, Shaw, Cheadle, Littleborough, Milnrow, Worsley, Wigan, Whitworth, Dukinfield, Denton, Walkden, Droylsden, Hyde and Urmston.

powered by Advanced iFrame

Our proximity to Manchester also allows us to respond to survey requirements across the region, whether you need a survey for a single commercial property or a larger multi-site portfolio.

It is important to plan your asbestos survey carefully, and with our team’s help you can rely on our thirty years experience, working in some of the most iconic buildings in Manchester. Beautiful old buildings on King Street, Chinatown, former rail stations, listed buildings and educational centres throughout the city. Our head office is just 30 minutes drive from the city centre so is convenient for our team to deliver the perfect asbestos site survey.

Local knowledge of Manchester properties

Manchester has a particularly diverse building stock, ranging from historic and listed buildings to former industrial premises, converted mills,  warehouses, offices and modern commercial developments incorporating older structures.

Many older buildings can contain asbestos-containing materials, particularly where materials have been installed, repaired or altered over several decades. A suitable asbestos survey can help identify potential asbestos-containing materials before maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work begins.

NEED ASBESTOS ADVICE?

Receive support from an asbestos specialist in three easy steps!
1
Fill in our simple enquiry form or give us a call
2
Discuss your requirements with a dedicated member of our team
3
Receive your fast, FREE, no obligation advice
View our full range of asbestos services

With over 30 years’ experience, our asbestos surveyors deliver asbestos compliance surveys and testing across Manchester and Greater Manchester for your business.

Helping Local Businesses - Manchester Asbestos Survey Case Study: 100 Barbirolli Square

Manchester Asbestos Survey Case Study: 100 Barbirolli Square

Refurbishment asbestos survey carried out before major refurbishment works......

Working with Ardmac Performance Contracting, we were commissioned to undertake a refurbishment asbestos survey, prior to the full refurbishment of one of Manchester’s Iconic buildings. Completing the work within two weeks we also provided ongoing support to the fit out team through specific asbestos awareness training. We have also recently completed similar work at the adjacent 101 Barbirolli Square.

RB Asbestos protect many businesses from asbestos

  • Lancashire NHS logo
  • McDonald's Logo
  • Cygnet logo
  • Stobart logo
  • Lambert Smith Hampton logo
  • Edmundson electrical logo
  • North West Ambulance logo
  • Amazon logo
  • The Manchester College
  • The Original Factory Shop Logo
View our case studies

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for a reliable asbestos service for your Manchester property or portfolio of properties, you may have questions regarding the service you require. Therefore, we have listed our most frequently asked questions about asbestos surveys and testing in Manchester and more to help you get an idea about the services we provide.

Get in touch if you need an asbestos survey in Manchester

If you’re still unsure, speak to one of our friendly team – call 0800 141 2676 and we would be happy to help.  Or alternatively, get in touch via our online contact form.

What is an asbestos survey and what does it involve?
An asbestos survey is a way of helping you manage the asbestos in your property, by providing information on the location, condition, amount and type of asbestos there is within the building. For a more detailed breakdown, read our helpful guide explaining what an asbestos survey involves. Depending on the type of survey, the surveyor may also take samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials for laboratory analysis.
Is an asbestos survey a legal requirement?
If you are responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises, you may have a legal duty to manage the risk from asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This includes taking reasonable steps to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present, assessing the risks and putting appropriate measures in place to manage them. If a building was built or refurbished before 2000, HSE advises that asbestos should generally be presumed to be present unless there is strong evidence otherwise. In many cases, a management survey will be needed to identify asbestos-containing materials and support the asbestos register and management plan. Where refurbishment or demolition work could disturb the building fabric, a more intrusive refurbishment or demolition survey may be required before work begins.
Does the age of the buiding matter?
Yes. Asbestos was widely used in buildings before its use was finally prohibited in the UK. HSE guidance states that premises completed before 2000 should generally be presumed to contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence to suggest otherwise. Asbestos can also be present in buildings that have subsequently been refurbished or altered. This does not mean that every building constructed before 2000 automatically requires the same type of asbestos survey. The appropriate approach depends on the circumstances of the property and the work being carried out. For normal occupation and maintenance of a non-domestic property, an asbestos management survey may be appropriate. If refurbishment or demolition work is planned that could disturb the building fabric, a more intrusive refurbishment and demolition survey may be required before work begins. If you are unsure whether your Manchester property requires an asbestos survey, or which type of survey is appropriate, RB Asbestos can assess your requirements and provide professional advice.
How dangerous is asbestos?
Asbestos-containing materials can present a serious health risk if they are damaged or disturbed and asbestos fibres become airborne. The level of risk depends on factors including the type of asbestos-containing material, its condition and the likelihood of it being disturbed. This is why it is important to identify asbestos-containing materials and manage them appropriately.
How much does an asbestos survey cost for Manchester based properties?
Unfortunately, RB Asbestos Consultants cannot provide estimated costs without first discussing your commercial property's details. If you are interested in one of our asbestos surveyors carrying out one of our asbestos surveys for your Manchester property, then please contact a member of the team to get an accurate costing on an asbestos survey which will take into account the size and location of the building. - 0800 141 2676
Will an asbestos survey disrupt my business?
RB Asbestos have worked closely with clients across Manchester to ensure that minimal disruption arises from our surveys, especially when it comes to working around any existing occupation issues. We find tenants do not wish to be disturbed so, for your convenience we can work early, late or at weekends, to facilitate any plans for refurbishment. We currently work with some of the large property groups who are refurbishing and demolishing older stock across Greater Manchester and the city and we are looking to increase our portfolio.
What type of asbestos survey does my Manchester property need?
The appropriate survey depends on the property and the work being carried out. A management survey is generally used to help manage asbestos during normal occupation and maintenance, while a refurbishment or demolition survey is required where work could disturb the building fabric. If you're unsure which survey you need, our team can advise you based on your property and planned works.
How quickly can an asbestos survey be carried out in Manchester?
Survey availability depends on the size and type of property, the survey required and your preferred timescale. We work with clients across Manchester and Greater Manchester and can discuss your requirements and availability when you make an enquiry.
What happens if asbestos is found during a survey?
If asbestos-containing materials are identified, the survey report will provide information about their location, extent and condition. The appropriate action will depend on factors including the material, its condition and the likelihood of disturbance. Asbestos does not automatically have to be removed; in some circumstances it can be safely managed in place. Where removal or remedial work is required, we can advise on the appropriate next steps.