Asbestos has been widely used in the construction industry until the late 1990s, due to its excellent insulation, fire-retardant, and durability properties. However, it has been discovered that asbestos fibers can cause severe lung diseases when inhaled, especially when disturbed or damaged. Whether you're a property owner, a landlord, a contractor, or a homeowner, you have a legal duty to protect yourself and others from the risks of asbestos exposure.

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection of your property to identify if there are any materials containing asbestos. It's the first step in managing the potential risks of asbestos and complying with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. There are two types of asbestos surveys: management survey and refurbishment/demolition survey.

A management survey is designed to locate, identify, and assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials that are likely to be disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance activities. This type of survey is mandatory for commercial and industrial buildings built before 2000, and for residential buildings that are converted into flats or shared accommodation.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment, demolition, or major renovation work takes place. This survey is more intrusive and involves destructive testing, sampling, and analysis of all areas where work is to be carried out. The purpose of this survey is to locate and identify all asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the work and provide a plan for their safe removal.