Demolition Surveys: The Legal Step You Can't Afford to Skip
When it comes to demolishing a building, there's one step that must happen before a single wall comes down and skipping it is illegal. A Demolition Survey is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Demolition work is one of the highest-risk activities when it comes to asbestos disturbance. Without knowing exactly where asbestos-containing materials are located, workers and members of the public can be exposed to dangerous fibres without even realising it.
What is a Demolition Survey?
A Demolition Survey is the most thorough type of asbestos survey available. Its purpose is to locate all asbestos-containing materials within a building before any demolition work takes place.
A Demolition Survey assumes that the building will be completely stripped and demolished. This means it is intrusive by nature and surveyors will access all areas of the building, including those that would normally remain undisturbed.
This type of survey is required before:
- Full or partial demolition of a building
What the law says about Demolition Surveys
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a Demolition Survey is a legal requirement before demolition works begin on any building that may contain asbestos, this is typically those built or refurbished before the year 2000.
Failure to carry out a Demolition Survey before works begin can result in:
- Prosecution and significant financial penalties
- Enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Serious risk of harm to workers, contractors, and the public
- Costly project delays and emergency remediation work
The duty to ensure this survey is completed falls on the person responsible for the building or the project, whether that's the Building Owner, Principal Contractor or Client.
Why Demolition Surveys matter
Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye. When disturbed during demolition, they can become airborne and inhaled and the consequences can be threatening. Asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma can take 15–60 years to develop, meaning that exposure today may not manifest as illness for decades to come.
An estimated 1.5 million UK buildings still contain asbestos. Many of those buildings may require demolition in the coming years. Getting this right isn't just a legal box to tick. It's a responsibility to protect the people carrying out the work and the communities around them.
How Enquin supports with Demolition Surveys
At Enquin, our experienced Surveyors carry out fully compliant Demolition Surveys, ensuring all asbestos-containing materials are identified and documented before any work begins.
Demolition Surveys offer a thorough, intrusive survey carried out by qualified professionals with UKAS-accredited analysis.
Detailed reporting then ensures clear, comprehensive reports that give Contractors and Clients exactly what they need to plan works safely and compliantly.
Management of Asbestos Remediation may also be advised where asbestos removal is required before demolition can proceed. We can manage the process from start to finish, working alongside Licensed Removal Contractors to ensure works run safely and smoothly.
Work with us
We work closely with Contractors and Clients throughout every stage of the process, ensuring asbestos risks are managed proactively. If you're planning demolition or works and need expert guidance, get in touch with our team today. We'll make sure you're fully compliant and protected every step of the way.
Rare Disease Day: Raising Awareness About Mesothelioma
Raising Awareness
We’re taking a moment to recognise Rare Disease Day on the 28th of February 2026. Which looks at conditions that don’t always get the attention they deserve, including mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare illness often linked to past asbestos exposure. For us, this day is about awareness, understanding and remembering why safety and education matter so much.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. With around 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK and US combined, it accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. What makes this disease particularly challenging is its long latency period, symptoms can take 20 to 60 years to appear after asbestos exposure.
How does Asbestos affect this condition?
More than 80% of mesothelioma cases are directly caused by asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibres are inhaled or ingested, they lodge in the body’s internal linings, causing inflammation and scarring that eventually leads to tumour growth decades later.
Those most at risk include workers who handled asbestos directly, family members exposed to fibres brought home on clothing and people exposed through building maintenance or in close proximity to asbestos facilities.
Let’s raise awareness together
Early diagnosis is crucial but challenging. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing are often mistaken for other conditions. This means many patients are not receiving a diagnosis until later stages.
This is where proper Asbestos Management becomes vital. Surveys, regular Re-Inspections, safe removal procedures and awareness training can prevent future exposures and save lives.
HSE proposes changes to make Asbestos Management safer
What We Did
The Health and Safety Executive has launched a consultation seeking feedback on proposed changes designed to strengthen the Control of Asbestos Regulations and improve guidance on Asbestos Management.
The aim is to enhance safety for workers, building occupants and anyone involved in managing asbestos.
The UK already has one of the strongest workplace health and safety records in the world, with some of the lowest rates of occupational injury and fatalities in Europe. These proposals build on this strong foundation to further protect people in areas where asbestos remains a significant risk.
The consultation focuses on three main areas:
- Independent Clearance Checks: Ensuring roles in the four-stage clearance process are impartial to reduce exposure risks.
- Better Asbestos Surveys: Improving guidance so dutyholders understand the importance of surveys and can commission them from competent professionals.
- Clarifying NNLW: Clearer guidance on what counts as Notifiable Non-Licensed Work.
The HSE is inviting views from contractors, building owners, employers and others working with or managing asbestos. The consultation is open until 9 January 2026, and the full document, including detailed proposals and guidance on how to respond, is available on the HSE website.
Consultancy to take on new staff following £50k investment
What We Did
A Welsh Asbestos Consultancy is to take on 7 staff following a £50,000 investment by Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE.
Enquin Environmental of Cardiff will use the Fast Track Loan for a new website and marketing to enhance its reputation across the UK as one of the leading businesses in this crucial environmental field. The firm has been operating for 22 years and has a purpose-built laboratory and UKAS accreditation.
He added that the Business Plan foresees the creation of 7 new roles within the organisation as turnover rises from the present projected £1.6 million to £2 million in three years.
Enquin, which employs 31, works with private and commercial clients, helping schools, universities, hotel chains, retailers and others to deal safely with the considerable dangers posed by asbestos. “We are a one-stop shop providing training, surveys, analysis and project management for remediation work. The skills and knowledge we have acquired over the years mean we take a holistic approach offering an efficient, effective and reliable service,” he added.
Mr Jones began his association with the firm on a Student Placement from the University in 2004, and other than a 2-year break working for a licensed asbestos removal contractor, has stayed ever since, and in 2021, he was part of a management acquisition of the company.
UKSE makes strategic investments in Welsh and UK companies which show the potential to grow and create jobs and prosperity. It provides loan and equity packages up to £1 million, and UKSE estimates it has supported 83,000 jobs around the UK since it was established 50 years ago.
Howard Thompson, Regional Executive with UKSE, said he was pleased to provide the funding through UKSE’s recently launched Fast Track Loans. “Enquin has an excellent reputation in its field and is well placed to grow and create professional and technical jobs in South Wales. We are delighted to be able to support the firm’s expansion plans with this strategic investment and wish them all success in the future.”
Stephen Jones
Managing Director at Enquin
This support from UKSE is very helpful and timely and will enable us to invest in recruitment of staff, marketing and equipment. We enjoy an excellent reputation across the UK and we intend to build on this.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!
Enquin Unveils New Vans and Facelift of Dedicated Mobile Lab Van with New Wrap Design
What We Did
Enquin is excited to announce the addition of new vans to its fleet, including an update to the dedicated mobile lab van, all featuring a striking custom wrap design by designer Liam Morgan. Known for his innovative work in branding and vehicle graphics, Liam has brought a fresh, professional look to Enquin’s latest vehicles.
The new vans are set to enhance Enquin’s operational capabilities, while the mobile lab van is equipped to deliver essential services directly to clients. Morgan’s design not only elevates the company’s visual identity but also underscores its commitment to quality and innovation.
Enquin’s management and staff expressed enthusiasm for the upgrade, noting that the new fleet will boost efficiency and expand service offerings. The wrapped mobile lab van, in particular, has already garnered attention for its sleek design and practicality. Keep an eye out for these eye-catching vehicles as they hit the road.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!
Enquin Scores Big with Sponsorship of Ty Celyn Under-9s Football Team
What We Did
Enquin is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Ty Celyn Under-9s football team, marking an exciting new partnership that supports local youth sports. The team, now sporting fresh kits emblazoned with Enquin’s logo, is ready to take on the season with confidence and style.
This sponsorship reflects Enquin’s commitment to fostering community spirit and encouraging young talent. The Ty Celyn Under-9s, a spirited group of budding footballers, will benefit from the new kit, thanks to Enquin’s support.
The partnership has already kicked off with excitement, as parents and players alike have praised the vibrant new kits. Enquin hopes this initiative will help the Ty Celyn Under-9s build skills, camaraderie, and plenty of winning moments. Catch them in action at their next match and cheer on the future stars of football.
Stephen Jones
Managing Director at Enquin
We’re thrilled to back the team, seeing the kids’ enthusiasm and teamwork development on the pitch is truly inspiring.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!
Enquin Assist Local Scout Group
What We Did
Enquin recently undertook an Asbestos Survey of the High Cross Community Hall and adjacent church building (formerly known as St Anne’s) in High Cross, Newport, on behalf of the 28th Newport Scout Group.
The Scout Group have held meetings at the site for 80 years and was facing the prospect of becoming homeless when the Archdiocese advised that they would be closing the church. Thanks to a lot of hard work and commitment from the Scout Group, the site was secured for continued use by the group and the High Cross community.
The Scout Group is currently in the process of taking over the running of the site, and in order to ensure the building’s suitability for continued community use, some minor improvement works are required. Enquin Environmental were delighted to facilitate this by completing a full Asbestos Survey of both buildings free of charge.
Suzanne Foster
Senior Asbestos Consultant at Enquin
We were delighted to be able to assist the Scout Group with an Asbestos Survey and we really look forward to hearing how the site develops to become a valuable community asset.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!
Enquin achieves Achilles UVDB Silver Plus accreditation for another year
What We Did
Enquin are delighted to have renewed its Achilles UVDB Silver Plus Accreditation Certificate for another year and continues to be an Approved Supplier to the Utility Industry.
To achieve accreditation, Enquin went through a vigorous vetting process examining areas such as health and safety, environmental, quality and corporate social responsibility. This year also marks the 8th Anniversary of our Achilles UVDB accreditation, which again demonstrates our commitment to this Accreditation.
For more information on managing asbestos, visit the HSE website.
Sally Cuff
Service Delivery Manager
As an Asbestos Consultancy, Health and Safety, Quality and the Environment are critical to our business and always at the top of our agenda on every project we undertake. Renewing this accreditation demonstrates our commitment to Health and Safety etc and provides our clients with that peace of mind.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!
NHMF Frameworx success for Enquin
What We Did
Enquin are delighted to have been appointed to the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) Framework for Compliance and Consultancy.
The Framework has been launched in association with the National Housing Maintenance Forum by industry leaders. The not-for-profit organisation, Frameworx, offers something a bit different, including a competitive maximum fee of 1.5%, an established and engaged supply chain and investment into initiatives like social value, training and benchmarking.
David Miller
Frameworx Director
A warm welcome to Enquin Environmental Ltd onto the 2022 Compliance Consultancy Services Framework who join Frameworx’ engaged and established supply chain and share our passion to deliver better homes and communities. As our tagline ‘connect with the best’ suggests, working with Frameworx gives our social housing partners access to the best choice, experience, value for money and innovation from a UK wide range of pre-qualified contractors, consultants, vehicle provision & building material suppliers. Congratulations!
Sally Cuff
Enquin’s Business Development Manager
We are all delighted to be appointed onto the NMHF Framework, especially as we work alongside a number of Housing Associations already. We look forward to providing high quality Asbestos Services to the Housing sector and also building upon the excellent working relationship we have with our current Housing sector clients.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!
HSE Inspectors to assess the Management of Asbestos in Schools
What We Did
The HSE have announced it will be carrying out a programme of inspections at primary and secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales from September 2022 onwards. These inspections will assess how both state-funded and Independent schools are managing the risks from Asbestos within the school estate and meeting the ‘Duty to Manage’ requirements under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR)
In advance of the inspections, schools may wish to review their current arrangements and check that they are meeting their duties under CAR, which includes requirements to:
- Take reasonable steps to find out if there are asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the school premises, and if so, the amount, where it is and what condition they are in
- Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not, and keep up to date a record of the location and condition of any ACMs or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos
- Assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified. Prepare an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed.
- Take the necessary steps to put the Plan into action.
- Periodically review and monitor the Plan and the arrangements, and act on the findings, so the Plan and arrangements remain relevant and up to date.
- Provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone liable to work on or disturb them
For more information on managing asbestos in schools, visit the HSE website.
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Have questions about asbestos management? Speak to our experts today!