If you're arranging an asbestos survey for your home or rental property, you might be wondering what exactly the surveyor will be looking for. Knowing what the survey entails will help you stay informed and take the right action afterwards.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Steeple Grange looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim 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. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
The surveyor's role is to:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
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.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Pipe insulation and lagging
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
Partition walls or fireproof panels behind boilers or heaters
Material Integrity Assessment
The condition of any suspected ACMs is recorded. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. Damaged lagging presents greater concern than sealed cement boards.
Risk of Being Disturbed
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Panels in high-traffic areas are at greater risk than those hidden in attics.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. Testing reveals:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Understanding the Survey Categories
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
Survey for Day-to-Day Use
Focuses on ACMs that pose risks during everyday operations.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After the Survey?
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Dangerous ACMs will need to be dealt with by a licensed team. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Key Takeaway
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Steeple Grange-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Steeple Grange residents on the site here:
- What Steeple Grange Experts Check For During An Asbestos Survey
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Firms in Steeple Grange
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Steeple Grange Residential Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: