An asbestos survey is an inspection of a property, building, or structure to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It is a mandatory requirement for all non-domestic buildings in the UK, including commercial, industrial, and public sectors, and it is also recommended for domestic properties built before the year 2000.

An asbestos survey can be divided into two types, depending on the purpose of the survey:

• Management Survey This type of survey is designed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged or disturbed during normal activities in the building. The survey will locate any potential asbestos materials and provide guidance on how to manage the risk of exposure.
• Refurbishment/Demolition Survey This type of survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken on a property. It is a more intrusive survey that involves sampling and analysis of suspected ACMs. The survey will provide a detailed report on the location and condition of the ACMs so that they can be safely removed before any work begins.