An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a building to identify any materials that may contain asbestos. The survey must be carried out by a qualified and accredited asbestos surveyor. There are two types of asbestos surveys: a Management Survey and a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey.

A Management Survey is an assessment of the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property that's in normal use. The survey aims to locate asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed during day-to-day activities.

A Refurbishment and Demolition Survey is required before any refurbishment, demolition, or building work takes place. The survey aims to identify any ACMs that are likely to be disturbed during the work and assess the condition of the materials.

Once the survey is completed, the samples are taken to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis. The results will determine the next steps, which may include asbestos removal.