Asbestos Surveys for Schools
Need an asbestos survey for a school and want impartial advice you can trust?
Protect pupils, staff and your premises with a professional asbestos survey from Blue Star Asbestos. We work with schools, colleges, universities and other educational settings, identifying asbestos risks and providing clear guidance to help you manage your responsibilities with confidence.
Based in Portsmouth, we serve clients across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex. With over 20 years experience, our fully qualified asbestos surveyors work to BOHS standards and can handle educational properties of all sizes, with surveys starting from just £85.
Our Memberships & Accreditations
Blue Star Asbestos is proud to be a member of Local Surveyors Direct and is rated 10/10 on Checkatrade.com
Do I need an asbestos survey in my school?
Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in infant, junior, primary and secondary schools well into the late 90s and it is still common to find them within classrooms, hallways and halls. If you are responsible for a school, college or university built prior to the year 2000, you must hold an asbestos survey by law – this is called an Asbestos Management Survey. Any educational institutions built after the year 2000 aren’t legally required to have an asbestos survey, but the use of asbestos-containing materials were still occurring amongst builders after this date.
If you’re still unsure whether your school in the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex or Surrey needs an asbestos survey, you can contact one of our team who will be more than happy to help or see our guide on whether you need an asbestos survey.
What types of asbestos surveys do you provide for schools?
There are two types of asbestos surveys that are typically used in UK schools – Asbestos Management Surveys and Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys. We also offer our Re-Inspection Asbestos Survey for continued asbestos management. The aim of an asbestos survey is to find Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) and record what types of asbestos it is, where and how accessible the ACM is, the condition it’s in and any surface treatment.
To determine the types of asbestos in your school, a sample will have to be taken but this is typically non-intrusive. If you do find asbestos in classrooms, storage areas, staff rooms or any other parts of your school, see our blog on what you should do and visit our guide on the types of asbestos surveys typically used in the UK if you want to explore this topic further.
All of our asbestos surveys ensure that if there is any asbestos present upon visual inspection, we will carry out extensive samples whilst working to minimise asbestos disturbance and keeping the duty holder informed throughout the process.
Asbestos Management
Surveys – Schools
An asbestos management survey is used to locate the presence and extent of any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) in a school.
The management survey forms the foundation of the Asbestos Register and is the basis for the continued management of any identified ACMs. A school asbestos management survey will highlight any areas that require immediate attention as well as an asbestos management plan.
Refurbishment & Demolition
Surveys – Schools
A refurbishment and demolition survey is a legal requirement when a school building (or part of it) is to be refurbished or demolished.
The purpose of a demolition asbestos survey is to locate and describe all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment or demolition is to take place. This allows for a comprehensive report that certifies the site ‘fit for reoccupation’ which safeguards workers.
Re-inspection
Asbestos Surveys – Schools
If asbestos is found, an annual re-inspection of your known ACM will help to ensure your compliance with Control of Asbestos Regulations.
We will inspect any ACM present and record their condition, tracking any deterioration or differences. A comprehensive report is then issued to the customer, advising where there have been any changes to the condition or risk, and action to be taken further down the line.
Selecting a competent asbestos surveyor for your school
It is important if your school has never dealt with asbestos-containing materials before, to work with experienced asbestos surveyors and only licensed contractors. The experts you work with should hold accreditation or certification and work in accordance with good practice guidelines and asbestos regulations. Competent surveyors should also understand the risks of surveying educational buildings, have training and experience, and use an effective asbestos management plan.
It is important to choose a licensed contractor that can: work within the Asbestos Regulations 2012, identify any ACMs, create minor asbestos disturbance when carrying out the work and once finished, present the duty holder with a comprehensive asbestos report and asbestos register.
At Blue Star Asbestos, our asbestos surveyors are fully qualified by the British Occupational Hygiene Society which is a nationally recognised standard and we work in accordance with HSE Guidance Documents HSG264 Asbestos: The Survey Guide. If you need an asbestos survey or are worried about the presence of asbestos-containing materials in your school, we can help you.
Get In Touch Today
Fill out the form or call 023 92 811788. Our expert team is fully prepared to assist homeowners and businesses across the south with any and all enquiries regarding asbestos management in your property.
From initial consultation to detailed guidance, we ensure safety and compliance, providing you with peace of mind and a healthier living environment.
For emergencies, it’s usually best to give us a call – subject to demand, we aim to visit these appointments on the same day.
Common Questions
With over ten years of experience and specialist training, we deliver asbestos surveys, sampling, testing, and management services for schools and educational settings across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
If you cannot find the information you need, please visit our knowledge base or speak with a member of our team for clear, impartial advice.
Why do schools need an asbestos survey?
Many school buildings were constructed before asbestos was banned. An asbestos survey identifies any asbestos containing materials within the school so they can be managed safely, helping protect pupils, staff, contractors, and visitors.
What type of asbestos survey is required in a school?
Most occupied schools require an Asbestos Management Survey to identify materials that could be disturbed during day-to-day use or routine maintenance. A Refurbishment or Demolition Survey is required before any intrusive works take place.
Is an asbestos survey a legal requirement for schools?
Yes, schools have a legal duty to manage asbestos under current health and safety regulations. This includes identifying asbestos, maintaining an asbestos register, and ensuring risks are properly controlled.
How often should asbestos surveys be reviewed in schools?
Asbestos Management Surveys should be reviewed regularly and re-inspected, typically on an annual basis, or sooner if materials deteriorate, are removed, or if building use changes.
Will an asbestos survey disrupt teaching or school activities?
Asbestos surveys for schools are usually carried out with minimal disruption. Surveyors work around timetables and occupied areas, often scheduling inspections during quieter periods or school holidays where required.
Who is responsible for asbestos management in a school?
The duty holder is usually the school governing body, academy trust, local authority, or building owner. They are responsible for ensuring asbestos surveys are completed and that identified materials are safely managed.
Do academies and multi-academy trusts need asbestos surveys?
Yes. Academies and multi-academy trusts have the same legal duty to manage asbestos as local authority-maintained schools. An asbestos survey helps MATs understand asbestos risks across multiple sites and maintain a compliant asbestos management plan for each building.
Are asbestos surveys required for school maintenance work?
Yes. Even routine maintenance work such as installing cabling, repairing ceilings, or upgrading heating systems can disturb asbestos-containing materials. An asbestos survey helps ensure maintenance tasks are planned safely and reduces the risk of accidental exposure.
What happens if asbestos is found in a school?
If asbestos is identified during a school asbestos survey, it does not always need to be removed. In many cases it can be safely managed and monitored. A detailed survey report will outline the location, condition, and recommended actions to help schools keep staff and pupils safe.
Do asbestos surveys need to be shared with school staff and contractors?
Yes. Relevant asbestos survey information should be shared with staff, contractors, and anyone carrying out work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials. This helps ensure all parties are aware of potential risks and can work safely in line with the school’s asbestos management plan.
You can contact Blue Star Asbestos via telephone, email or post
- Phone number: 02392811788
- Email address: enquiries@bluestarasbestos.co.uk
- Address: Holland Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO4 0EB
