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 Butterley asbestos surveyors investigate across Derbyshire, the methods used, and the follow-up process.
Why Asbestos Surveys Are Conducted
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.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Assess their condition.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Does the Surveyor Look For?
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Frequent ACMs Inspected in Domestic Properties
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
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
Condition of Materials
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. 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. For instance, ceiling tiles in a loft might remain untouched for years, whereas bathroom panels could be disturbed during renovation.
Are Samples Taken?
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.
Sampling is carried out with care to avoid contamination.
Different Survey Types Explained
Surveys vary based on the reason they are being conducted:
Standard Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Best for those who need regular safety checks or general awareness.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Required before any significant renovation or demolition work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Post-Survey Procedures and Reports
You'll get full documentation after the survey. Your report will show:
A list of all ACMs found.
Images and positions of each ACM.
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. For lower-risk materials, encapsulation (sealing) or routine monitoring may suffice.
Final Thoughts
These surveys give you a roadmap for safe management, not just detection. From home upgrades to rental responsibilities, surveys play a key role in safeguarding health.
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 Butterley residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Butterley Asbestos Surveys Consider
- How To Find A Licensed Butterley Asbestos Disposal Location
- Common Places To Find Asbestos-Containing Materials In Butterley Domestic Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: