Asbestos removal and surveys in Oxford

Asbestos services in Oxford

We survey buildings, test suspect materials and remove asbestos across Oxford and the surrounding area. Most jobs start with a question: is this asbestos, and what should I do about it? If nobody knows, we identify the material first, by sampling it or surveying the building, and then explain the options in plain English, including leaving it alone when that’s the sensible choice.

Asbestos was used in British buildings until it was fully banned in 1999, so any home, flat, school, shop, office or outbuilding built or refurbished before 2000 can contain it. In good condition and left undisturbed, it often isn’t a problem. The risk comes when it’s damaged or disturbed by building work, drilling, sanding or demolition.

Colleges, Victorian suburbs and post-war growth

Oxford combines historic college and university buildings, Victorian suburbs such as those to the north and east of the centre, large inter-war and post-war housing areas, and industrial and science sites. Many institutional and commercial buildings were extended or refitted between the 1950s and 1990s, and non-domestic buildings fall under the duty to manage asbestos.

For listed and historic buildings, planned work usually needs careful surveying of the areas affected before anything is opened up.

Central Oxford has bus gates, restricted access and little parking, so tell us about the route and parking when you ask for a quote.

Prices in Oxford

Every job is quoted individually, because the cost depends on the material, the amount, its condition, access and the waste. A survey is priced on the type of survey, the size of the building and the number of samples. Read how we quote, or our guides to survey costs and garage roof removal costs.

Licensed, notifiable or non-licensed?

Read the difference explained, with links to HSE guidance.

Before work starts in Oxford

• Planning building work? Get a refurbishment and demolition survey of the areas affected before the builders start.
• Landlord or managing agent? Check the asbestos register for shared areas before contractors work there.
• Buying an older property? A pre-purchase survey tells you what’s there before you exchange.
• Found something during DIY? Stop, keep people away, don’t sweep or vacuum it up, and ask for advice.

Around Oxford

Schools near the centre include East Oxford Primary School, Cheney School and Headington Rye Oxford. Schools are non-domestic buildings, so whoever runs them has a duty to manage any asbestos and to keep a register. Larger public buildings nearby include Clarendon Shopping Centre (1.1 miles west), Warneford Hospital (less than half a mile east) and Rumble Museum (less than half a mile east), the kind of non-domestic premises where asbestos management plans apply. Older buildings close to the centre include St Clement's Church; historic buildings that were altered or extended in the 20th century can contain asbestos in later additions. The nearest railway station is Oxford station.