An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building to identify and assess the potential risks of asbestos. It involves sampling and analyzing materials suspected of containing asbestos and producing a report with recommendations for managing the risks.

There are two types of asbestos survey:

• Management survey: This survey is suitable for all non-domestic buildings and domestic buildings that are unlikely to be refurbished or demolished. It aims to locate and assess the condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance. The survey is non-intrusive, and samples are not taken.

• Refurbishment/demolition survey: This survey is required before any refurbishment, demolition, or major alteration works. It is more intrusive than a management survey and aims to locate all ACMs that could be disturbed by the proposed work. The surveyor may need to take samples to confirm the presence of asbestos.