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Asbestos Survey is a professional inspection carried out to identify the presence, type, condition, and extent of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building.
 

Key types:

• Management Survey – The standard survey for ongoing building management. It locates ACMs that could be disturbed during normal use.

• Refurbishment & Demolition Survey – More intrusive survey required before any major refurbishment or demolition works. It aims to find all ACMs, including those hidden behind walls, floors, or ceilings.
   

Why it matters:

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious lung diseases (including cancer) when fibres are inhaled. Surveys ensure risks are properly assessed and managed or removed safely before work begins.

Key approaches:

• Licensed Removal — Required for higher-risk materials (e.g. asbestos insulation, sprayed coatings, or asbestos cement in large quantities). Only HSE-approved licensed contractors can carry out this work.

• Non-Licensed Removal — Lower-risk materials (e.g. some asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles, or textured coatings) can sometimes be handled by trained but non-licensed operatives, provided strict controls are followed.

• Encapsulation / Sealing — Instead of full removal, ACMs in good condition may be sealed or enclosed to prevent fibre release (used when removal is not practical).

• Soft Stripping — Careful removal of non-structural items before demolition or refurbishment.
   

Why it matters:
Disturbing asbestos without proper controls releases microscopic fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres can cause serious diseases years later, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. There is no safe level of exposure.

Key types:

• Lead Paint Inspection — Determines whether lead-based paint is present and where it is located. It usually involves sampling paint on surfaces and laboratory analysis.

• Lead Risk Assessment — Goes further by evaluating the actual risk of exposure. It identifies deteriorated paint, lead dust, and lead in soil, and assesses hazards to occupants (especially children).

• Clearance Testing / Post-Remediation Survey — Performed after lead removal or abatement to confirm the area is safe for re-occupation.
   

Why it matters:
Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal. Exposure (especially in children) can cause permanent brain damage, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other health problems. Older buildings (pre-1978 in many countries) commonly contain lead-based paint that becomes hazardous when it peels, chips, or is disturbed during renovation.

Key approaches:

• Abatement — Permanent measures to eliminate lead hazards, such as complete removal of lead-based paint, replacement of components (e.g., windows/doors), or encapsulation (sealing with special materials).

• Interim Controls — Temporary measures like stabilizing paint, cleaning dust, or covering contaminated soil. These require ongoing monitoring.

• Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) — Work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 buildings, which must follow lead-safe practices even if not full abatement.
   

Why it matters:
Lead is highly toxic, especially to children and pregnant women. Exposure can cause neurological damage, developmental delays, kidney issues, and other serious health problems. Lead dust from disturbed old paint is the most common hazard.

Key elements typically removed:

• Internal walls, partitions, and ceilings

• Flooring and floor coverings

• Fixtures and fittings (doors, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, lighting)

• Mechanical and electrical installations (wiring, plumbing, HVAC)

• Insulation, plasterboard, and other non-load-bearing materials

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Why it matters:

• Enables safer and more efficient follow-on works (refurbishment or hard demolition)

• Allows better identification and safe removal of hazardous materials (such as asbestos or lead-based paint)

• Maximises material recovery and recycling

• Reduces risk of structural damage and uncontrolled dust/debris