An asbestos survey is a systematic and thorough assessment of a building or site that aims to locate and identify any ACMs that may be present. The purpose of the survey is to help the dutyholder (the person responsible for maintaining and managing the building or site) to manage the risk of exposure to asbestos and to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

• Management survey: this type of survey is designed to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs that may be present in a building or site that is still in use. The survey aims to identify the location, type, and condition of the ACMs, as well as any factors that may affect their risk of exposure. The objective of the survey is to help the dutyholder to manage the ACMs safely and to develop an asbestos management plan that includes monitoring, maintenance, and removal strategies.

• Refurbishment/demolition survey: this type of survey is more comprehensive and invasive than a management survey and aims to identify any ACMs that may be present in a building or site that is being refurbished or demolished. The survey involves destructive testing (such as drilling or cutting into walls and ceilings) to access areas where ACMs may be hidden. The objective of the survey is to help the dutyholder to plan and carry out the refurbishment or demolition safely and to ensure that all ACMs are removed or contained before any work begins.