Asbestos is a mineral that was extensively used in the construction industry in the UK from the 1950s until the 1980s. Its natural properties made it an excellent and inexpensive insulation material. However, it was only later discovered that asbestos can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma (a cancer that affects the lungs), asbestosis (an inflammatory lung disease) and lung cancer.

Asbestos is now banned in the UK, and any building constructed before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. Therefore, if you are planning to manage, refurbish, or demolish a building, it is essential to have an asbestos survey done to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present.

In the UK, there are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.