Asbestos survey
Asbestos survey before demolition
Planning the demolition of a building constructed before 1997? An asbestos survey before demolition is mandatory before any operation. More thorough than a survey before works, it searches for asbestos throughout the entire structure to protect workers and organise waste disposal. RITMODiag, a certified operator, takes care of it.
What is an asbestos survey before demolition?
An asbestos survey before demolition aims to identify every asbestos-containing material and product present in a building destined for demolition. Unlike the survey before works, which is limited to one area, it covers the entire structure.
This obligation stems from the French Public Health Code (article R.1334-19) and the Labour Code. The survey follows the NF X46-020 standard and involves thorough, including destructive, investigations, since the building is due to disappear.
As with any asbestos survey, buildings whose construction permit was filed before 1 July 1997 are concerned, the date tied to the ban on asbestos in France.
A requirement before any demolition
The client (project owner, owner, developer, local authority…) must have the survey carried out before consulting contractors and launching the demolition. The report is included in the tender file and passed on to those involved.
Without a survey, the demolition cannot legally begin: work stoppage, criminal liability, extra costs and delays if asbestos is discovered during the operation. The survey also protects the environment and the neighbourhood.
Survey before works or before demolition?
| Criterion | Before works (RAAT) | Before demolition (RAAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Area affected by the works | Entire building |
| Purpose | Protect the workers | Protect the workers and manage all waste |
| Investigations | Sampling targeted at the operation | Exhaustive and destructive search |
| Framework | Labour Code, decree of 16 July 2019 | Public Health Code, Labour Code |
| Standard | NF X46-020 | NF X46-020 |
Where can asbestos hide in a building?
A survey before demolition looks for asbestos in every component, including those hidden before dismantling:
- Sprayed coatings, thermal insulation and suspended ceilings (list A materials).
- Floor tiles, adhesives, coatings, mortars and seals.
- Partitions, ducts, sheathing and fibre-cement panels.
- Roofs, cladding, rainwater downpipes and façade elements.
- Pipes, buried networks and external structures.
How does the survey work with RITMODiag?
Building study
Analysis of the plans, history and structure to prepare a survey covering the entire construction.
Exhaustive survey
Our certified operator inspects every structure and carries out the necessary destructive sampling to look for asbestos everywhere, including in normally inaccessible areas.
Laboratory analysis
Samples are analysed by a COFRAC-accredited laboratory to characterise each suspect material.
Report and waste management
You receive a complete report locating the asbestos-containing materials, an essential basis for removal, costing and traceability of asbestos waste.
Why the survey before demolition is essential
Worker safety
Demolition releases dust on a large scale. An exhaustive survey determines the protection and working methods.
Protecting the environment
Identifying asbestos prevents fibres from dispersing into the air and the rubble during demolition.
Waste traceability
The survey allows asbestos waste to be sorted and removed through approved channels, with tracking slips.
Regulatory compliance
The survey is a mandatory part of the demolition file and legally protects the project owner.
Frequently asked questions about the asbestos survey before demolition
What is the difference with a survey before works?
The survey before demolition is exhaustive and covers the entire building, with thorough destructive investigations, whereas the survey before works is limited to the scope of the operation.
Which buildings are concerned?
All buildings whose construction permit was filed before 1 July 1997, whatever their nature: house, building, industrial premises, structure and so on.
Who must have the survey carried out?
The client: project owner, owner, developer or local authority ordering the demolition. The report must be given to the contractors before starting.
Is the survey before demolition destructive?
Yes. As the building is due to be destroyed, the operator may carry out destructive sampling to look for asbestos in every material, including concealed ones.
What is the report used for once demolition begins?
It serves as the basis for prior asbestos removal, works costing and the traceability of asbestos waste to approved facilities.
Do you work on any type of building?
Yes, our certified operators work on houses, buildings, commercial and industrial premises. Contact us for a quote tailored to your project.
A demolition to prepare?
Our certified operators carry out the asbestos survey before demolition and deliver a complete report so you can launch your operation in full compliance.