Wondering what to expect during an asbestos inspection? Here's what you need to know. Understanding the purpose and scope of the survey can help you feel more prepared-and ensure you know what steps to take once the results come in.
In this article, we'll explain what your Chevinside asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. These materials were widely used in UK construction until asbestos was banned in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Pipe insulation and lagging
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Material Integrity Assessment
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
They evaluate the chance of disturbance during everyday use or renovations. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Are Samples Taken?
Yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. This helps confirm:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Understanding the Survey Categories
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Standard Management Survey
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
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.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Key Takeaway
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Chevinside residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Chevinside Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Identifying Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Chevinside
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Chevinside Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: