Asbestos was commonly used in building materials in the past because of its fire-retardant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered to be a hazardous substance that can cause serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Consequently, the UK government banned the use of asbestos in building construction in 1999.

Because of the extensive use of asbestos in the past, many of the existing buildings - including residential and commercial ones - still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are harmful to human health. The presence of ACMs is particularly dangerous when a building is being refurbished or demolished as the disturbance can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne, putting the workers and anyone else nearby at risk of inhaling them.

To prevent any harm from happening during refurbishment or demolition, it is essential to conduct an asbestos survey. An asbestos survey identifies any ACMs within the premises and assesses the risk they pose to human health. Based on the survey findings, appropriate measures can be implemented to manage and, if necessary, remove the hazardous materials.