An asbestos survey is an inspection of a property, conducted by a certified asbestos surveyor, to identify whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. ACMs can be found in various parts of a building, such as insulation, flooring, roofing, and cement products.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management surveys are used to locate and assess the condition of all ACMs that may be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. The goal is to identify the location, type, quantity, and condition of all ACMs, and to produce an asbestos register and management plan that outlines how to safely manage or remove them.

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are more intrusive than management surveys, as they involve destructive inspection of hidden areas, such as wall cavities and ceiling voids. The goal is to identify all ACMs that may be disturbed during a refurbishment or demolition project and to produce a detailed asbestos report and plan that outlines how to safely remove the ACMs before any work begins.