Definition
An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building to locate, identify, and assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Most national regulations recognise three survey types: (1) Management Survey — a standard inspection of occupied buildings to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal use and maintenance; (2) Refurbishment Survey — a fully intrusive inspection required before any renovation work, covering the specific area to be refurbished and using destructive methods to access hidden spaces; (3) Demolition Survey — the most thorough survey, covering the entire building before demolition, using full destructive access and typically carried out in unoccupied buildings. The survey produces an asbestos register and forms the basis for the asbestos management plan. Only qualified and accredited surveyors may carry out asbestos surveys; the specific qualifications and accreditation requirements vary by country.
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See also:
Management Survey (Type 1)
An asbestos management survey is a standard, non-intrusive inspection of a building designed to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal occupancy and routine maintenance. It is the foundational survey type required by most national regulations for non-domestic premises and the starting point for an asbestos register and management plan. Surveyors inspect accessible areas, take samples of suspected materials for laboratory analysis, and assign each ACM a condition or risk score based on product type, extent, surface treatment, and degree of damage. The survey does not involve major structural dismantling — areas planned for refurbishment or demolition require a more intrusive survey type. Only qualified and nationally accredited surveyors may carry out asbestos surveys; required credentials vary by country.
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.