Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry between the 1930s and 1980s. It was valued for its fire retardant and insulating properties, and used in a range of materials including pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, and roofing. However, it has since been discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems such as lung disease and mesothelioma, and as such, its use has been heavily restricted.

If a building or structure was built during the height of asbestos use, it is highly likely that asbestos is present somewhere in the building. Asbestos surveys are essential to identify the presence of the material, so that it can be safely managed or removed. There are three main types of asbestos surveys:

• Management Surveys: These surveys are designed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy of a building.
• Refurbishment Surveys: These surveys are more invasive and are carried out to identify any ACMs in areas that will be impacted by refurbishment work.
• Demolition Surveys: These surveys are the most destructive and are carried out prior to the demolition of a building to identify any ACMs that may be present.

The type of survey that is required depends on the purpose of the inspection and the level of access available to the surveyors.