Can anyone adivse if a refurbishment or demoltion survey for asbestos would be classed as construction works as per CDM2015. In part 1 of the interpretations it does exempt site surveys although i am unclear as to what these may refer to. Scenario as follows: Asbestos surveyor conducting refurb survey in property with mulitiple other contractors providing assistance to survey e.g. electricians for isolations, lift engineer providing access to lift shaft pit etc. Any thoughts welcome

I'd be interested in the thoughts and views of others on this "site survey" term too. My view - I am willing to change - is that the moment you break in to the ground or the structure, then CDM will apply. To help clarify - a team doing ground survey, tripods etc. would not, but a team digging trial pits and boreholes etc. would - a team measuring windows or room dimensions etc. would not, a contractor fitting windows etc. would - this is my view as stated so willing to alter. So in my mind the term "survey" refers to non-invasive work - measuring, pictures, etc But an asbestos refurbishment or demolition survey worth its money is going to involve people interacting with the site or land - getting in to ceilings, lift shafts, cavity walls, trial pits - so my view (must stress again this is only my view) they would need to apply CDM 2015. That is why the words survey, exploration, investigation, demolition, etc are used in 2,1,b(b) as they have a different meaning in terms of activity.

Yes, a refurb. and demolition would meet the "investigation and preparatory" part of the definition of construction work - it is an intrusive activity after all, and usually an obvious precursor to the Project 'proper'. By the same token, a management survey would not be construction work.

I would also go along with Ron's assertion - it makes good sense. I just hope I never have to explain this one to a manager, not sure if they would laugh or cry!