An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of a building or structure to determine whether it contains any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Depending on the reasons for the survey, it may be required by law or just a good practice. There are three types of asbestos surveys:

• Asbestos management survey: This is a non-intrusive survey that aims to locate and assess the condition of ACMs in a building or structure that may be disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or repair. The survey report provides a management plan for controlling the risks posed by ACMs.

• Asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey: This is a more intrusive survey that aims to locate and assess all ACMs in a building or structure that may be disturbed during refurbishment, demolition or structural alterations. The survey report provides a detailed specification for safe removal of ACMs before any work commences.

• Asbestos re-inspection survey: This is a follow-up survey to a previous asbestos management or refurbishment and demolition survey aimed at monitoring the condition of ACMs in a building or structure and updating the management plan or specification accordingly.

There are many reasons why you may need to have an asbestos survey carried out in your property, including:

• Compliance with asbestos regulations: The law requires you to manage asbestos in your premises and ensure that people are not exposed to asbestos fibers. Asbestos surveys are an essential part of complying with your legal duty of care.

• Planning refurbishment or demolition work: If you plan to carry out any refurbishment, demolition, or structural alterations in your property, you need to have a refurbishment and demolition survey before any work commences. This is to ensure that any ACMs are safely removed before work commences to protect the health of contractors and building occupants.

• Managing asbestos risks: Even if you don't plan any significant work in your property, you still need to manage the risks posed by any ACMs present. Asbestos surveys help you identify and assess the condition of ACMs in your premises and devise a management plan to control the risks.