Wondering what to expect during an asbestos inspection? Here's what you need to know. Understanding how it works ensures you're ready for what comes next.
This guide outlines what Tansley asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. 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.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
Key Elements Surveyors Examine
Here are the main elements a qualified surveyor will investigate:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
They will check areas that historically contained ACMs, such as:
Textured coatings (e.g. Artex ceilings and walls)
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
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
Material Integrity Assessment
Each material's condition is documented. 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.
Are Samples Taken?
Typically, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
How much asbestos is present.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Different Survey Types Explained
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Standard Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. 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.
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.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Tansley-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. 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 Tansley residents on the site here:
- What Tansley Contractors Look For In An Site Inspection
- How To Find A Responsible Tansley ACM Disposal Location
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Tansley Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: