In This Guide
Survey Report Structure
A professional asbestos survey report typically includes an executive summary, scope and limitations, detailed findings, laboratory certificates, floor plans, risk assessments, an asbestos register, and recommendations. Understanding how these sections fit together helps you use the report effectively for compliance and practical management.
Executive Summary: Start Here
The executive summary provides a high-level overview of findings and urgent actions. This is where you'll find the total number of ACMs identified, any materials requiring immediate attention, and critical recommendations. If you only read one section initially, read the executive summary — but don't stop there.
Material Assessment Scores
Survey reports include a material assessment score for each ACM, indicating its potential to release fibres if disturbed. The score is the total of four factors (product type, extent of damage or deterioration, surface treatment and asbestos type), giving a range of 2 to 12. Scores of 10 or more indicate a high potential for fibre release, 7–9 medium, 5–6 low and 4 or less very low. The material score is not an overall risk rating: it does not account for where the material is or how the area is used, which is addressed by the priority assessment.
Priority Risk Assessment
Where sufficient information about building use and activities is available, priority assessment scores may be included to consider how the ACM interacts with building activities. Factors include normal occupant activity, maintenance activities, likelihood of disturbance, and human exposure potential. Combining material and priority scores gives an overall risk rating that guides management decisions. Higher combined scores require more urgent action. Note that priority assessment may not be applicable for all surveys, particularly R&D surveys where the focus is on identifying materials for removal.
Interpreting Recommendations
Recommendations fall into categories: immediate action required, action within defined timeframe, manage and monitor, and no action required. Understand what each recommendation means and the timescales involved. Immediate action may mean restricting access or urgent removal. Manage and monitor means add to management plan and re-inspect regularly.
The Asbestos Register
The register is a summary document designed for day-to-day reference. It lists all identified ACMs with their locations, types, conditions, and recommended actions. The register must be made available to anyone who might disturb asbestos, including maintenance contractors. Keep the register up to date as actions are completed or conditions change.
Using Floor Plans
Survey floor plans show the locations of all identified ACMs, typically using colour coding to indicate risk levels. These plans are essential for maintenance workers, contractors, and anyone working in the building. Ensure relevant plans are available to those who need them, and update them when ACMs are removed or conditions change.
Limitations and Caveats
Every survey has limitations. The report will specify areas that could not be accessed, presumptions made, and scope boundaries. Understanding these limitations is important — they tell you where additional investigation may be needed and what assumptions the survey is based on. Do not ignore the limitations section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a high material score mean?
A material assessment score of 10 or more (out of a maximum of 12) indicates a high potential to release fibres if the material is disturbed. The score combines product type, extent of damage, surface treatment and asbestos type, so it is not a measure of condition alone. It is also not an overall risk rating, because it does not consider where the material is or how the area is used; that is covered by the priority assessment. Together, the material and priority assessments inform whether action such as repair, encapsulation, restricted access or removal is needed.
Who should have access to the survey report?
The duty holder must ensure anyone who might disturb asbestos has access to relevant information. This includes maintenance staff, contractors, and building managers. The full report may be restricted, but the register and floor plans should be readily available to relevant parties.
How long should I keep the survey report?
Retain the original survey reports, and keep the asbestos register and management plan up to date for the entire life of the building. Survey reports form part of the building's asbestos history and may be needed for future works, property transactions, or regulatory enquiries. The 40-year period sometimes quoted applies to air-monitoring records where a health record is required (otherwise at least five years), not to survey reports.
What if I disagree with the survey findings?
If you have specific concerns about survey findings, discuss them with the surveying company first. They should be able to explain their methodology and conclusions. If you remain concerned, you can seek a second opinion from another qualified surveyor.
Do I need to act on every recommendation immediately?
No. Recommendations are prioritised. Immediate action items need prompt attention. Lower priority items can be scheduled according to your management plan. However, all recommendations should be considered and a decision made — even if the decision is to monitor for now.