An asbestos survey is an inspection that identifies the presence, type, condition, and extent of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building or structure. These surveys are necessary to fulfill the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR), which requires anyone responsible for a building to identify ACMs and put a management plan in place to control their risks.

There are two types of surveys, and which one is needed depends on the type and condition of the building:

• Management Survey: This survey is for all non-domestic buildings, and its purpose is to locate the presence of ACMs, assess their condition, and prioritize actions to manage their risks. This type of survey is required on all commercial properties built before 2000 (when the UK banned asbestos use).

• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: This survey is required before any work that may disturb the fabric of a building. Its intended to identify ACMs that may be disturbed during the work and to ensure that any required removal of ACMs is undertaken before refurbishment or demolition begins.