Understand asbestos in your building
An asbestos survey is a starting point for understanding and managing asbestos in a property. The right scope depends on the building and what you intend to do with it.
OHSS carries out building inspections and arranges the associated assessment, analysis and reporting. Talk to us if you are responsible for a property, managing a workplace or preparing for building work.
We provide independent asbestos consultancy across Ireland. OHSS does not undertake asbestos removal; where removal is needed, that work is carried out by other contractors, with independent OHSS oversight available as a separate service.
- Coverage
- Nationwide Ireland
- Properties
- Residential & commercial
- Our role
- Independent consultancy
When do you need an asbestos survey?
- You manage a building and need to understand where asbestos-containing materials may be present.
- You are planning refurbishment or demolition and need a survey matched to the proposed work.
- You are buying a property and want to discuss asbestos concerns, access and any plans for alterations before agreeing an inspection.
Which asbestos survey do you need?
Choose the scope around the building's use and the work you intend to do. The two survey types serve different purposes.
| Survey | Purpose | Starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Management survey | Supports the management of asbestos-containing materials during normal occupation and use. | Managing an existing building. |
| Refurbishment or demolition survey | Identifies asbestos within the scope of planned refurbishment or demolition work. | Planning changes to a building or part of it. |
Management survey
Discuss how the building is used, available records and access to the areas being inspected. A management survey supports ongoing asbestos management; it should not be treated as clearance for future intrusive building work.
Refurbishment or demolition survey
Share the proposed work and drawings so the survey covers the relevant areas. This survey can involve intrusive inspection. Access, occupation and any arrangements needed for the inspection must be discussed before the visit.
What you receive
- A report setting out the survey findings and the agreed scope of inspection.
- Assessment of the asbestos-related risks identified during the work.
- Recommendations to help you plan the next steps for your property.
The precise scope and deliverables are agreed for your property. Tell us if the report needs to support a particular project or decision.
How it works
Discuss the building and your plans
Tell us where the property is, how it is used and what work you have in mind. Share any existing surveys or relevant plans.
Agree the scope
Discuss the appropriate survey, access arrangements and reporting needs before the site visit.
Survey and assessment
The survey team carries out the agreed inspection, with sampling and analysis where required.
Report and next steps
Receive the findings and recommendations, and discuss what they mean for your building or project.
Survey scope, access and your quote
Share the information you have. You can still contact us if some details are not available.
- Property address, approximate size and current use.
- The reason for the survey and the areas affected by any planned work.
- Existing survey reports, drawings and known asbestos information, where available.
- Occupancy, restricted areas and practical arrangements for access.
Irish guidance
The Health & Safety Authority distinguishes surveys for normal building use from those needed for refurbishment or demolition. Its guidance also explains the competence expected of a surveyor. Discuss how the guidance applies to your property and proposed work.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of survey do I need?
The intended use of the building and the work you are planning determine the survey scope. A management survey and a refurbishment or demolition survey serve different purposes. Tell us about your plans so we can discuss the appropriate starting point.
Can I send a sample myself?
Sampling suspected asbestos should be undertaken by a competent person. Contact OHSS to discuss the material and an appropriate sampling arrangement.
What information should I provide for a quote?
Start with the property location, approximate size, current use and any planned work. Existing drawings or previous survey reports can help us understand the scope. You can still contact us if some of these details are not available.
How much does an asbestos survey cost?
A quote depends on the building, the areas to be inspected, access and the survey scope. We will discuss these details with you before confirming a quote.
Do you survey residential and commercial properties?
Yes. OHSS provides asbestos surveying services for both residential and commercial properties. Contact us to discuss your property and the work you need.
Discuss your asbestos survey
Tell us about the property, its location and the work you have planned. We can discuss the survey scope and the information needed for a quote.
Request a survey quoteOr call (01) 690 5907