Asbestos is a hazardous material that was widely used in the construction of homes, buildings, and structures until the early 2000s. Its fibrous nature makes it durable, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant, making it ideal for insulation, roofing, flooring, and cement products. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

That is why the law requires asbestos surveys before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place in buildings constructed before 2000. The purpose of asbestos surveys is to identify the presence, type, condition, and extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building, assess their risks to health and safety, and provide recommendations on how to manage or remove them safely.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. Management surveys are non-intrusive, and they aim to identify the presence, location, and condition of ACMs in a building that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, maintenance, or minor works. Refurbishment/demolition surveys, on the other hand, are intrusive, and they aim to identify all ACMs in a building that will be affected by major refurbishment, demolition, or dismantling works.