Asbestos surveys are designed to identify the presence of ACMs in a building and provide detailed information on their type, location, and condition. They are divided into two main types: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

Management surveys are intended to locate and identify all ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. They are designed to be non-destructive and usually involve sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs.

The main purpose of management surveys is to create an asbestos register for the building and provide a risk assessment of the ACMs identified. This information is then used for the management of the ACMs, including preparing an asbestos management plan and carrying out any necessary remedial action.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more intrusive than management surveys and are carried out ahead of any refurbishment or demolition work. They are designed to identify all ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned works and provide detailed information on their location and condition.

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are usually destructive and involve extensive sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs. They are required by law before any refurbishment or demolition work can take place in a building, to ensure that any ACMs are safely removed or managed before works begin.