Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the past. It was known for its heat-resistant properties and was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. However, asbestos is extremely hazardous to human health, and prolonged exposure can cause various forms of cancer and respiratory diseases.

The May government passed a law in 2015, requiring all public and commercial buildings in the UK to undergo an asbestos survey, which is also known as an asbestos management survey. This move was aimed at identifying asbestos-containing materials in these buildings and providing an insight into the risk posed by them. Therefore, if you're a property owner or manager, it's essential that you comply with this legislation and have an asbestos survey conducted in your building.