Asbestos Survey Types
Information on asbestos survey types and when they may be required
Understand the different types of asbestos survey and when each may be required. Select a survey below for more information, or contact us if you're unsure which is appropriate.
Asbestos Management Surveys
A management survey is the standard survey used to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during the normal use and maintenance of a building.
The survey involves an inspection of accessible areas, with samples taken from suspected asbestos-containing materials where required. Any samples are sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Management surveys are generally non-intrusive and can usually be carried out while the building remains occupied, with little disruption to normal activities.
For workplaces, the survey can be used to prepare an asbestos register and management plan. Management surveys are also commonly requested for property purchases, mortgage applications and insurance purposes.
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Not sure if a management survey is the right survey for you? Visit our Need a Survey page, or learn more about asbestos management for commercial properties.
Refurbishment Surveys
A refurbishment survey is required before refurbishment or alteration work that may disturb the fabric of a building.
The survey focuses on the areas affected by the planned work and is designed to identify asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during the refurbishemnt.
This may involve intrusive inspection and opening up areas such as walls, ceiling, floors, voids fixtures and fittings.
The scope of the survey should be based on the planned refurbishment work, so it is important that we understand exactly which areas of the building will be affected.
Because refurbishment surveys can involve intrusive inspection, the areas being surveyed normally need to be unoccupied during the survey.
We can discuss the planned work with you beforehand and advise on the appropriate survey scope.
Demolition Surveys
A demolition survey is required before a building, or part of a building is demolished.
The survey covers all areas affected by the planned demolition work and is designed to identify asbestos-containing materials so they can be dealt with appropriately before demolition begins.
Demolition surveys are fully intrusive and may involve accessing concealed areas such as wall cavities, ceiling voids, floors and other parts of the building that would not normally be accessible.
Due to the intrusive nature of the survey, the areas being surveyed must be unoccupied. The scope of the survey will be based on the planned demolition work and should include all areas that will be affected.
Re-Inspection Surveys
Re-inspection surveys are carried out to monitor the condition of previously identified asbestos-containing materials and identify any changes that may require action.
During the survey, the existing asbestos register is reviewed and the condition of known asbestos-containing materials is reassessed. The findings can then be used to update the asbestos register and support the ongoing asbestos management plan.
Re-inspection surveys are non-intrusive and can normally be carried out while the building remains occupied. Additional sampling is not usually required unless previously unidentified suspect materials are found.
The frequency of re-inspection should be determined as part of the asbestos management arrangements, based on factors such as the condition, location and likelihood of disturbance of the materials.
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For more information on asbestos management plans and re-inspection surveys see our Asbestos Management page.
Mortgage Surveys
If an asbestos survey has been requested as part of a property purchase or mortgage application, we can help confirm what is required and arrange the appropriate survey.
The asbestos survey is often requested by lenders or buyers prior to the purchase of a property.
The survey required is generally a management survey, although the scope may vary depending on the lender's requirements.
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Insurance Surveys
If an asbestos survey has been requested as part of a property insurance application or policy renewal, we can help confirm what is required and arrange the appropriate survey.
Insurer's may request a survey to better understand the presence and condition of asbestos containing materials within the property and any potential future remediation liabilities.
The survey required is generally a management survey, although the scope may vary depending on the insurer's requirements.