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.
In this article, we'll explain what your Bradwell asbestos survey looks for, how it's carried out, and what happens afterward.
Purpose of an Asbestos Survey
Asbestos surveys aim to find, identify, and assess the condition of ACMs in domestic buildings. Such materials were common in UK buildings until the 1999 asbestos ban. Properties built before 2000 are likely to still harbour some form of ACMs.
The surveyor's role is to:
Find and map out where ACMs exist.
Check the current state of each material.
Judge the risk level associated with each ACM.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
A typical asbestos survey includes checks for the following:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
The surveyor inspects areas where asbestos was typically used, including:
Textured wall and ceiling finishes like Artex
Asbestos insulating boards in walls and ceilings
Lagging and insulation around pipes
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
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
State of the ACMs
Each material's condition is documented. Friable materials, which easily break down, are more hazardous. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Likelihood of Disturbance
Surveyors determine how easily each material could be disturbed. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Is Sampling Part of the Survey?
Typically, yes. Surveyors often take controlled samples to confirm if asbestos is present. The lab determines:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
What kind of asbestos it is (white, brown, or blue).
How much asbestos is present.
All sampling is done in a controlled, safe manner to prevent fibre release.
Understanding the Survey Categories
The depth of the survey depends on its purpose:
Management Survey
Designed to locate ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy or routine maintenance.
Carried out with limited invasion to the property.
Suitable for landlords managing communal areas in rented housing or cautious homeowners wanting peace of mind.
Pre-Construction ACM Inspection
Necessary for planned refurbishments or tear-downs.
In-depth inspection that includes destructive sampling.
Targets concealed materials that would be affected by renovation.
Next Steps Following the Survey
Once completed, you'll receive a detailed asbestos survey report. This includes:
A register of all identified ACMs.
Images and positions of each ACM.
Risk assessments and material condition ratings.
Advice on what to do next, from removal to monitoring.
Where serious risks exist, professional removal will be necessary. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Key Takeaway
An asbestos survey doesn't just look for the presence of asbestos-it evaluates the risk it poses and helps you plan how to deal with it responsibly. 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. Trust us to support you through the process with safety and clarity.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Bradwell residents on the site here:
- What Bradwell Inspectors Check For During Their Site Survey
- Locating Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Bradwell
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Bradwell Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: