Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials until the late 1990s. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) pose health risks when disturbed, releasing microscopic fibers that are easily inhaled. Prolonged exposure can cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, which is why it's essential to identify and manage ACMs in any building.

Asbestos surveys are vital to identify hazardous materials and to implement control measures to manage the risk when working with or near ACMs. There are two types of survey: management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey.

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that aims to locate ACMs that could get disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. The survey involves sampling and analysis of suspect materials, which are then assessed for asbestos content. The findings are summarized in an asbestos management plan, which outlines the necessary actions to manage and monitor asbestos in the building.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition works begin. It is a more intrusive survey that aims to locate all ACMs that could be disturbed during the refurbishment or demolition works. The survey involves destructive sampling of materials that are likely to be disturbed, such as walls and ceilings. The findings are compiled in an asbestos demolition/refurbishment survey report, which outlines the necessary actions to manage asbestos before the works commence.