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.
We'll break down the key things a survey in Newton Solney looks for, how it's done, and what to expect after.
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. Asbestos featured in many homes before it was prohibited in 1999. Many homes built before 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms.
A qualified surveyor will typically:
Identify the presence and extent of ACMs.
Evaluate how well the materials are holding up.
Consider how likely the materials are to be disturbed.
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
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
Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive underneath
Cement products (like guttering, soffits, or flue pipes)
Roofing sheets or garage roofs made from asbestos cement
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
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?
In most cases, yes. When ACMs are suspected, a few samples are safely removed for analysis. Testing reveals:
Whether asbestos is in the material.
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
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.
Non-intrusive and minimal disruption.
Ideal for routine inspections and landlord obligations.
Refurbishment/Demolition Survey
Legally required ahead of major structural work.
Extensive as it often requires accessing hidden areas.
Ensures that no asbestos is accidentally disturbed during works.
What Happens After 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.
Recommendations for management, monitoring, or safe removal.
If high-risk asbestos is found, you may need to arrange removal by a licensed contractor. Encapsulation or periodic reviews may be enough for stable ACMs.
Conclusion
Surveys are about more than just finding asbestos in Newton Solney-they provide essential risk assessments and action plans. 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. We're here to help you navigate the process safely and confidently.
We've got more information on asbestos and ACMs for Newton Solney residents on the site here:
- What Newton Solney Experts Look For During An ACM Survey
- Searching For Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Newton Solney
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Newton Solney Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too:
