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. 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 Hazelwood asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
The main goal of an asbestos survey is to detect and evaluate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a property. 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.
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.
The findings help homeowners, landlords, and contractors make informed decisions about safe management or removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Typical ACMs Found in Homes
Common locations where asbestos may be found include:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Ceiling and wall panels (such as asbestos insulating board or AIB)
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Floor tiles and the bitumen adhesive below them
Asbestos cement items like soffits or flues
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. 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.
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. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. This helps confirm:
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.
Types of Survey and What They Cover
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Standard Management Survey
Identifies materials that might be affected during standard use of the property.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Evaluations of condition and associated risk.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Final Thoughts
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Hazelwood-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Renovating or letting an older home? A survey should be on your checklist.
Speak to a certified professional for guidance with bookings or interpreting results. Let us help you carry out asbestos management the right way.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Hazelwood residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Hazelwood Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Locating Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Hazelwood
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Hazelwood Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: