Definition
An inspection of a building or structure to locate, identify, and assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials. Surveys are required before renovation or demolition and for managing asbestos in occupied buildings. There are three types: Management Surveys (for occupied buildings), Refurbishment Surveys (before renovation), and Demolition Surveys (before demolition). Only qualified, accredited professionals may carry out asbestos surveys.
See also:
Management Survey (Type 1)
An asbestos survey designed to locate and assess asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy and maintenance of a building. This survey aims to ensure that nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of asbestos in the building. It involves sampling and analysis of suspected materials and creates an asbestos register and management plan.
Refurbishment Survey (Type 2)
A fully intrusive asbestos survey required before any refurbishment or renovation work. It locates and describes all ACMs in the area being refurbished, using destructive inspection to reach spaces that a management survey cannot access. All ACMs must be removed before refurbishment work begins.
Demolition Survey (Type 3)
The most thorough type of asbestos survey, required before any demolition work. Unlike a management or refurbishment survey, it covers the entire building and uses destructive inspection to locate every ACM. Surveyors work in unoccupied buildings because the process is invasive. All asbestos must be removed before demolition can begin.