Want a work environment and surroundings that are safe from asbestos? Start your asbestos survey now

Is asbestos still present in your (company) building or work environment? If asbestos is released, it can seriously harm the health of your employees and others. Keep your premises safe and carry out an asbestos survey to make sure you manage the risks correctly. Our experts will guide you through the process.

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What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral with a fibrous structure. The substance was primarily used in building materials. The fibre therefore has unique physical properties:

  • Heat- and fire-resistant – Asbestos is found in fire-resistant and heat-resistant materials.
  • Very strong – Asbestos is used to reinforce cement and other materials.
  • Acts as an insulator – Asbestos provides acoustic, thermal and electrical insulation.

You run the risk of coming into contact with asbestos in 70% to 90% of buildings in Flanders. Infrastructure built prior to 2001 holds 2.3 million tonnes of asbestos-containing materials. 

Why is asbestos dangerous? 

If asbestos is trapped and left untouched, it is generally not harmful. However, fibres may be released in the event of damage, renovations or demolition work. And if you’re breathing them in, you run serious health risks over the long term. Asbestos-related illnesses (such as cancer) are estimated to cause 255,000 deaths a year worldwide.

The use or sale of asbestos has been prohibited in Belgium since late 1998. Asbestos has also been banned in European member states and a number of countries outside the EU since 2005. 

What is an asbestos survey?

The asbestos survey from the Code for Employee Wellbeing lists all asbestos-containing materials that can be identified through a visual inspection of your building or work area, including in your work and protective equipment. 
If you’re planning maintenance, renovation or demolition works, a more in-depth investigation is always required to detect hidden materials. 

The survey results will include the following for each material identified:

  • A risk assessment based on the condition and chance of exposure
  • Practical advice on how to manage or dispose of the material safely

A Flemish asbestos certificate also lists the asbestos-containing materials following a visual inspection and assesses materials’ asbestos safety. Additional investigations are required in the case of renovation or demolition works. Such investigations may take the following forms:

  • A more invasive asbestos survey as part of the Flemish demolition monitoring plan (SOP)
  • A mandatory asbestos survey in the Brussels-Capital Region for demolition or renovation works

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You will then receive a proposal for carrying out an asbestos survey with a risk assessment and management plan, a Flemish asbestos certificate, a demolition monitoring plan (SOP) or a demolition asbestos survey (Brussels or Flanders).

For how long is an asbestos survey valid?

Employers must update the survey of asbestos-containing materials at least once a year. You must also do so after taking any action that affects the condition of the asbestos-containing material (if the material has been damaged or after asbestos has been removed, for example).

The Flemish asbestos certificate is valid for ten years as standard. However, the validity period is lowered to five years for asbestos-containing waste or high-risk materials. The certificate must be updated within a year in the event of any changes made on site, such as damage to or the removal of asbestos.
More destructive asbestos surveys (in the case of demolition and renovation works) are only valid for one to two years.

Is an asbestos survey mandatory?

All employers in Belgium must have an asbestos survey code. This must be drawn up in line with the model set out by the Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue, as described in the Codex on Employee Wellbeing. Asbestos surveys are mandatory for all workplaces, from shops and schools to companies and construction sites. The information collected in the survey can be used to inform any third parties who may be working on site in order to prevent exposure to asbestos.

Specific conditions are also imposed depending on the region:

Flanders  

Asbestos certificate

  • In Flanders, an asbestos survey (asbestos certificate) is mandatory for owners of accessible structures, including buildings, with a ‘high-risk year of construction’ (i.e. built before 2001). Today, this applies to all sales (since November 2022) and will become a general obligation as from 31 December 2031.  
  • The certificate is drawn up in line with the Flemish inspection protocol by a certified asbestos surveyor, and reported to the Flemish Public Waste Agency’s (OVAM) database. 
  • The asbestos certificate forms part of Flanders’ asbestos removal policy, which aims to make Flanders asbestos-safe by 2040.

Demolition monitoring plan

  • In Flanders, a demolition monitoring plan with an asbestos survey (SOP) is also required when demolishing a building with a volume greater than 1,000m3. This plan is required before work begins.

Brussels-Capital Region

In the Brussels-Capital Region, a destructive asbestos survey is mandatory prior to renovation or demolition works. 

Good to know: Demolition monitoring plans in Flanders and destructive surveys in Brussels are drawn up in line with a model and protocol from the regional government. They are essential for obtaining environmental permits or filing the required notifications relating to the protection of the environment, separation of waste streams and more.

How does an expert draw up an asbestos survey?

An expert (in Flanders, a certified asbestos surveyor (ADI)) draws up an asbestos survey in five steps: 

  1. On-site inspection – The expert carries out an inspection and checks which materials in the workplace or building may contain asbestos.
  2. Sample name and analysis – Samples are taken from suspicious materials in line with the applicable protocols (Codex or Flemish inspection protocol) and analysed in an accredited laboratory such as IBEVE  (part of IDEWE Group).
  3. Reporting – The expert provides a comprehensive report, including a risk assessment, photographic documentation and information on the plan. This report meets the requirements set out by the Codex and/or regional regulations.
  4. Management plan – The appropriate steps to take are listed for each material (such as repair or encapsulation) to avoid exposure. The plan should also include advice on any high-risk work and techniques for the permanent removal of any asbestos.
  5. Demolition survey – If you are demolishing or dismantling a building volume of greater than 1,000m3 in Flanders, you must draw up a demolition monitoring plan (SOP) in advance for all waste streams, including hazardous substances such as asbestos-containing materials. This plan, including a destructive asbestos survey, will be drawn up by an approved Tracimat expert. A destructive asbestos survey is also mandatory before demolition or renovation works in Brussels. 

Need help? 

Make an appointment for a Codex asbestos survey, a Flemish asbestos certificate, a destructive asbestos survey (Brussels) or a demolition monitoring plan (SOP) in Flanders.

What is the difference between an asbestos survey and an asbestos certificate?

Asbestos surveyAsbestos certificate
Overview of all suspected asbestos-containing materials detected in the workplace during a visual inspection.

Overview of all suspected asbestos-containing materials in an accessible structure with a high-risk year of construction (TCR) in Flanders.

Includes an assessment of the material’s asbestos safety with regard to normal use of the building. 

Contains specific advice to avoid exposure to asbestos during employees’ daily work. 
The survey includes:

  • How to manage asbestos-containing materials safely
  • Which activities involve an increased risk (such as demolition)
  • Whether additional investigations are required before certain work activities
  • Which removal techniques are most suitable
     
The asbestos certificate contains recommendations on how to use an accessible structure with a high-risk year of construction safely in normal environments.

The certificate forms part of the Flemish policy for protecting public health and the environment.
Is mandatory for employers.Is mandatory for owners of an accessible structure with a high-risk year of construction.

Need help applying for an asbestos certificate? 

Apply for your Flemish asbestos certificate through IBEVE, our accredited engineering firm and asbestos laboratory.

How do you remove asbestos?

The removal of asbestos is subject to strict rules. The type of contractor (accredited or not) and the training required depend on the type of asbestos-containing material, the material’s condition and the way in which the material is attached.

Only remove asbestos-containing materials yourself in exceptional cases

You may remove certain bonded materials that are still in good condition under strict conditions:

  • As an employer, you may involve employees provided that they have completed specific training for simple tasks.
  • As a private individual, you are permitted to remove certain materials yourself in Flanders as long as you do so without causing any damage.

An asbestos expert can assess whether the material and situation meet the conditions for simple tasks.

Training for employees

Your employees may only remove asbestos through simple tasks if they have completed an accredited training course and take an annual refresher course. The training course will teach them how to work safely without releasing fibres.

Stay safe and always use an accredited firm

If the material is damaged or non-bonded, or you can’t remove it without damaging it or releasing fibres, you must engage an asbestos removal contractor  accredited by the Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue.

How can IDEWE help you to create a workplace that is safe from asbestos?

Our certified asbestos experts from IBEVE’s accredited asbestos laboratory meet all legal requirements and will assist you in the following areas:

  • Flemish asbestos certificate (IBEVE process certificate and certified asbestos surveyors)
  • Codex asbestos survey (asbestos expert in line with the Codex criteria)
  • Asbestos analysis of materials and adhesive samples using PLM or SEM/EDX (IBEVE’s accredited asbestos laboratory)
  • Air measurements using FCM or HR SEM (IBEVE’s accredited asbestos laboratory)
  • Site supervision, site follow-up, drawing up specifications for asbestos removal, cost estimates and more
  • Flemish demolition monitoring plan and demolition monitoring inspection visits (Tracimat experts) 
  • Crisis communication and information sessions in the event of emergencies and incidents involving asbestos

Need advice on asbestos for your organisation? 

Take a look at our full range of services.

Why opt for IDEWE? 

Take your first step towards an asbestos-safe work environment and surroundings with IDEWE.

  • Tailored expertise – Thanks to years of experience in asbestos surveys, we provide tailored solutions that fully comply with current legislation and safety standards.
  • Full support – We guide you through every step of the process – from a risk assessment to a management plan – to address asbestos risks effectively.
  • Trusted partner – You can count on our tried-and-tested approach to protect your employees’ health and ensure a safe working environment.