Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any work that may disturb the fabric of a building constructed or refurbished before 2000. This applies to both domestic and commercial properties. The survey identifies asbestos-containing materials in the area where work will take place, allowing the work to proceed safely.

A management survey is designed to locate asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during normal occupation or routine maintenance. It is the standard survey for managing asbestos in occupied buildings. A refurbishment and demolition survey is more intrusive and is required before building work. It accesses concealed spaces — behind panels, above ceilings, within floor voids — to locate all ACMs in the work area.

Non-licensed work covers the removal of certain lower-risk asbestos materials, such as textured coatings, asbestos cement products, and floor tiles. While these materials still require safe handling and correct disposal, the work does not require an HSE asbestos removal licence. It must still be carried out in compliance with CAR 2012 and HSE guidance, with appropriate risk assessments, method statements, and — where required — notification to the HSE.

Licensed removal is required for higher-risk asbestos materials, including sprayed asbestos coatings (limpet), pipe lagging, loose-fill insulation, and certain work with asbestos insulating board (AIB). Only contractors holding a current HSE asbestos removal licence may carry out this work. Onea Environmental coordinates licensed removal through approved HSE-licensed subcontractors.

Onea Environmental specialises in non-licensed asbestos works (NNLW), surveys, and testing. We do not hold an HSE asbestos removal licence. Where licensed removal is required, we coordinate the work through our network of approved HSE-licensed subcontractors, managing compliance and project delivery throughout.

The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property. A straightforward domestic survey typically takes one to two hours on site. Larger commercial or multi-property surveys may take longer. We will provide an estimated timescale when you book.

We typically respond within 24 hours for urgent enquiries across Edinburgh and the Central Belt. Standard survey appointments can usually be arranged within a few working days, depending on availability and location.

All samples collected by Onea Environmental are sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis using polarised light microscopy (PLM). This method identifies the type of asbestos fibres present and their concentration. UKAS accreditation ensures the laboratory meets internationally recognised standards for accuracy and reliability.

If asbestos-containing materials are identified, we provide a detailed report with clear recommendations. Depending on the material type, condition, and your plans for the property, the options may include leaving the material in place and managing it, encapsulating it, or removing it. We will explain the options and help you decide on the best course of action.

While there is no legal requirement for a domestic asbestos survey before sale in Scotland, many buyers — and their solicitors — request one, particularly for properties built before 2000. Having a survey available can speed up the sale process and provide reassurance to buyers. For commercial properties, the duty to manage asbestos under CAR 2012 means an asbestos register should already be in place.

We are based in Edinburgh and cover the entire Central Belt of Scotland, including Livingston, Falkirk, Stirling, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Bo'ness, Queensferry, Dalkeith, Musselburgh, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik, and surrounding areas.

Survey costs depend on the type of survey required, the size of the property, and the scope of the work. We provide clear, upfront quotations with no hidden costs. Contact us with your project details for a prompt, no-obligation quote.

Asbestos materials in good condition that are not being disturbed generally present a low risk. The danger arises when asbestos fibres become airborne — typically through damage, deterioration, or disturbance during building work. This is why a professional survey and management plan are important: they identify what is present, assess its condition, and provide guidance on how to manage it safely.

Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, anyone responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises has a duty to manage asbestos. This means identifying whether ACMs are present, assessing their condition, preparing a management plan, and making information available to anyone who might disturb the materials. This duty applies to landlords, property managers, building owners, and employers.