Describe the planned work carefully
State whether the fireplace, flue, surrounding coverings and roof stack are included. A survey covering one room may not support later work in the loft. Provide the current scope and identify any earlier surveys.
Have the duty and scope assessed
IPLO explains asbestos survey duties for demolition components where asbestos is known or reasonably suspected. The Netherlands Labour Authority provides further guidance for professional work in buildings dating from before 1994. Ask the relevant specialist to determine the applicable requirements and any exceptions.
Read the report’s limitations
Check with the specialist which spaces and components were surveyed and which were inaccessible. A conclusion about one material or room is not a statement covering the entire home. Ask what any limitation means for the proposed work and whether additional investigation is needed.
Use a report that relates to this location and the relevant activities. Explain changes made since the survey, such as a new enclosure or an expanded removal plan.
Clarify the next step
Record which work can be prepared and which first requires further investigation or specialist treatment. Share relevant reports with the parties involved before execution. Do not take samples or detach suspect materials yourself to complete the application.
Compare the survey boundary with the work boundary
A report is most useful when its scope matches the proposed alteration. Compare it with the work description: does removal also involve the enclosure, floor penetration or roof-level components? Ask the author to explain any affected space or interface outside the survey scope.
If part of the construction remains inaccessible, establish what that means for scheduling. It is not a reason to proceed through unknown materials. Further investigation or an amended work arrangement may be necessary; the relevant specialist should determine that next step.
| Report element | Question for the author | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Address and components | Does it cover the chimney and work area now proposed? | Avoids relying on unrelated evidence. |
| Limitations | Which spaces or layers were not assessed? | Identifies remaining uncertainty. |
| Findings and next steps | What do the findings mean for this work? | Helps coordinate the appropriate parties and programme. |
| Changes since the survey | Do later alterations or new work boundaries matter? | Avoids reusing obsolete assumptions. |
- Provide the complete work description.
- Collect earlier reports and their appendices.
- Discuss limitations before execution.
- Leave suspected materials undisturbed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the construction date prove whether asbestos is present?
No. It is relevant background information, not a material test or a guarantee for each building component.
Can an older report still be used?
Have the specialist check whether its location, coverage, limitations and the current situation still match your proposal.
Read more
- Chimney and flue materials: what they mean for removal
- What should you agree about rubble and waste removal?
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Sources and review
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IPLO — Asbestinventarisatieplicht in het Bbl ↗Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie — Asbestinventarisatie ↗