An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building or structure to locate and identify any ACMs, record their type, condition, and location, and assess their risk of releasing fibers into the air. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) for any non-domestic premises, including commercial, industrial, and public buildings, built before 2000, to have an asbestos survey.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

• Management Survey: This survey is intended to locate, identify, and assess the condition of any ACMs that could be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. It involves taking samples of suspected ACMs and analyzing them in a UKAS-accredited laboratory to determine their type and asbestos content.

• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: This survey is necessary before any refurbishment, demolition or major alterations to a building, structure or service that could disturb the fabric of the building or its fittings. It aims to identify all ACMs that could be disturbed during the planned works and to make recommendations for their safe removal.