What a Large Commercial Asbestos Demolition Survey Involves
A Large Commercial Demolition Survey in Gisborne
Before a commercial building is demolished, the project team needs a clear picture of where asbestos may be present in the areas affected by the work. A thorough survey helps identify materials early so the next steps can be planned.
A recent large demolition survey in Gisborne shows what that can involve.
Recording Materials Across a Large Site
The survey recorded 175 material entries across the project:
• 18 were confirmed as asbestos-containing material following laboratory analysis
• 18 were recorded as presumed asbestos-containing material
• 9 were confirmed as non-asbestos following laboratory analysis
• 130 were assessed visually as non-asbestos
The report brought the findings together so the project team could see what had been identified, where it was located and what needed attention before demolition work.
Surveying the Corrugated Fibre-Cement Roof
The building had corrugated fibre-cement roofing. Walking on the roof was not considered safe, so we used a drone to inspect the roof area from above.
This allowed us to assess and document the roof without accessing or walking on the roofing. The survey method was adapted to the site conditions and the safety risks present.
What “Presumed Asbestos” Means
Some materials are recorded as presumed asbestos-containing material rather than being confirmed by sampling. For planning purposes, they are treated as asbestos unless further assessment or testing confirms otherwise.
Recording presumed materials clearly helps ensure they are considered when the project team plans the work.
Why the Survey Needs to Match the Work
A demolition survey is different from an inspection for a building that will remain in normal use. Its purpose is to locate asbestos in the building—or the part of it—that is going to be demolished.
The survey scope needs to reflect the proposed work and the areas it may disturb. The findings also need to be clear and useful to the people planning the project, including property owners, project managers, builders and asbestos removal contractors.
What Happens After the Survey?
The findings help the project team understand what asbestos is present or presumed to be present and plan the next steps. This may include arranging removal by a licensed asbestos removalist before demolition, or deciding how particular materials will be managed as part of the project.
The survey report provides information for planning. The asbestos removal contractor is responsible for planning and carrying out any removal work.
When a Management Survey and Plan May Be Needed
If a building will remain in use, an asbestos management survey and management plan may be more appropriate. A management survey supports the ongoing management of asbestos during normal occupation and maintenance.
WorkSafe guidance says a written asbestos management plan is required for a workplace where asbestos or asbestos-containing material has been identified or is likely to be present. A refurbishment or demolition survey has a different purpose: locating asbestos before the relevant work starts.
Independent Asbestos Surveying in Gisborne and Beyond
Asbestos Safe Consultancy provides independent asbestos testing, demolition and refurbishment surveys, and asbestos management plans across Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Manawatū.
If you’re planning demolition or refurbishment, get in touch to discuss the building, the proposed work and the areas that need to be surveyed. If you’re concerned about one specific material, targeted testing may be suitable.
Contact Asbestos Safe Consultancy to discuss your project.