Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in the construction industry for insulation, fireproofing, and other building purposes until the mid-1980s. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release fibers into the air that can be inhaled and cause serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys are required when the building (or part of it) is going through a refurbishment, demolition or major alterations as these works can disturb asbestos-containing materials.

A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey aims to identify all accessible asbestos-containing materials before any refurbishment work begins. The survey will involve intrusive inspection and necessary sampling of suspect materials. A refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey must be fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. This survey will also identify any potential asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed or damaged during the refurbishment or demolition.

A management asbestos survey is a standard survey, which is usually required during normal occupation and use of a building, to identify the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials. The aim of this survey is to locate, as far as reasonably possible, the presence and extent of any suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building. The survey is designed to be non-intrusive and requires only minor surface disturbance.