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 Killamarsh asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
During the survey, professionals will:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Check the current state of each material.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
This information helps determine whether management, encapsulation, or removal is necessary.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
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
Condition of Materials
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Potential for Disruption
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. This helps confirm:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
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.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. Your report will show:
A register of all identified ACMs.
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. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Killamarsh-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Killamarsh residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Killamarsh Consider?
- Identifying Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Killamarsh
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Killamarsh Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: