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.
This guide outlines what Tibshelf asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
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. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Pinpoint the location and amount of asbestos-containing materials.
Check the current state of each material.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
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 wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
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
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. As an example, intact roofing sheets are lower risk than crumbling pipe insulation.
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. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. This helps confirm:
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.
Understanding the Survey Categories
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.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
Next Steps Following the Survey
After the inspection, a comprehensive report is issued. This includes:
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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
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.
Need help arranging a survey or making sense of your report? A licensed expert can assist. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Tibshelf residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Tibshelf Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Finding Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Tibshelf
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Tibshelf Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: