Wondering what to expect during an asbestos inspection? Here's what you need to know. Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.
This guide outlines what Bolsover asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Check the current state of each material.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Likelihood of Disturbance
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Typically, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Different Survey Types Explained
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Standard Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Usually requires little disturbance to the building fabric.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
What Happens After the Survey?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. It contains:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Conclusion
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Bolsover residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Bolsover Look For?
- How To Find An Accredited Bolsover Asbestos Disposal Company
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Bolsover Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: