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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Flaxholme looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
What Is the Aim of an Asbestos Survey?
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. ACMs may remain in homes constructed prior to the year 2000.
The surveyor's role is to:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Check the current state of each material.
Evaluate the potential risk of disturbance or exposure.
These insights guide appropriate actions, from monitoring to full removal.
What Areas and Materials Are Inspected
Surveyors usually examine these aspects:
Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
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
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Asbestos cement roof panels or garage coverings
Internal partitions or heat shields containing ACMs
State of the ACMs
Surveyors make note of the state of each ACM. Materials in poor condition-especially those that are friable (easily crumbled or damaged)-pose a higher risk. For example, flaking pipe lagging is more dangerous than intact asbestos cement panels.
Risk of Being Disturbed
The surveyor assesses how likely each ACM is to be disturbed during normal occupancy or planned work. Bathroom panelling may be affected by upgrades, while loft tiles may stay undisturbed.
Will the Survey Include Sample Collection?
Typically, yes. If materials are suspected of containing asbestos, the surveyor will usually take small samples for laboratory testing. Testing reveals:
The presence of asbestos fibres.
The type of asbestos (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite).
The concentration of fibres in the sample.
Professionals follow strict protocols to ensure safe sample collection.
Understanding the Survey Categories
The scope of inspection is guided by its intended use:
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.
Survey Prior to Renovation or Demolition
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Highly intrusive, as it may involve opening up walls, ceilings, and floor voids.
Aims to uncover any hidden ACMs that might be disturbed during building work.
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. Lower risk materials might just need sealing or occasional checks.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Flaxholme-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. Whether you're renovating a 1950s home or managing a rental flat, an asbestos survey is a practical and often essential step in keeping people safe.
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 Flaxholme residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Flaxholme Look For?
- How To Find An Flaxholme ACM Disposal Site
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Flaxholme Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: