Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in buildings for their heat-resistant and insulation properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos was finally banned in the UK in 1999, but any building constructed before this date is likely to contain ACMs.

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a property to identify and assess any ACMs, as required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. There are two types of asbestos survey:

• Management survey: This is a non-intrusive survey designed to locate and assess the condition of any ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance. This type of survey does not involve destructive work or sampling.

• Refurbishment/demolition survey: This is a more invasive survey designed to locate and assess all ACMs present in a property, as required before any major refurbishment or demolition work. This type of survey usually involves sampling and may require some minor destructive work.

Asbestos surveys must be carried out by a competent and accredited surveyor. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has a team of highly trained and experienced surveyors who can provide both types of survey in Slaughterbridge and surrounding areas.