Asbestos has been linked to serious health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop, but once they do, they are often fatal. As a result, the use and management of asbestos are heavily regulated in the UK. If you own or manage a building, you have a legal duty to manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to ensure that they do not pose a risk to workers, visitors or the general public. This includes conducting a thorough asbestos survey before any work is done.

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of your building to identify any ACMs and assess their condition, location and the risk of exposure. There are two main types of surveys: asbestos management surveys and asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys. The former is intended for buildings that are currently in use, while the latter is intended for buildings that will be renovated or demolished. Both surveys are designed to help you manage your asbestos risk and comply with your legal obligations.