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.
In this article, we'll explain what your Hathersage asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Assess their condition.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
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
State of the ACMs
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Fragile or deteriorated materials, particularly friable types, carry increased danger. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. 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. Testing reveals:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
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.
Different Survey Types Explained
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
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
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. It contains:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Photographs and locations.
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. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
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. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
If you'd like advice on booking a survey or understanding your results, get in touch with a qualified asbestos professional. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hathersage residents on the site here:
- What Hathersage Surveyors Check For During Their Asbestos Inspection
- Finding Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Hathersage
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Hathersage Residential Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: