In This Guide
Pre-Survey Planning and Site Assessment
Before the physical survey, your surveyor will gather information about the building including age, construction type, previous surveys, maintenance records, and planned activities. This desk study helps target the survey effectively and identify areas requiring particular attention.
Physical Inspection and Sampling
The surveyor systematically inspects the building, examining materials and taking representative samples for laboratory analysis. Sampling is designed to identify all material types present without unnecessary duplication. Expect sampling from ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe insulation, textured coatings, and other suspect materials.
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory using polarised light microscopy (PLM) and other techniques. Analysis identifies whether asbestos is present and, if so, the type (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite). Rapid laboratory analysis is available.
Risk Assessment and Prioritisation
The surveyor carries out a material assessment of each identified or presumed ACM, scoring product type, extent of damage, surface treatment and asbestos type to indicate its potential to release fibres if disturbed. This is different from the priority assessment, which considers factors such as the location and extent of the material, occupant activity, likelihood of disturbance and maintenance activity. The priority assessment is the duty holder's responsibility because it relies on detailed knowledge of how the premises are used; the surveyor can help by gathering information for it. Together, the material and priority assessments inform which ACMs need action first.
Survey Report Contents
Your survey report will include an executive summary, scope and limitations, detailed findings with photographs, laboratory certificates, floor plans showing ACM locations, risk assessments for each material, and recommendations. The report forms the basis of your asbestos register.
The Asbestos Register
The register is a summary document extracted from the survey report, designed for day-to-day reference and information sharing. It lists all ACMs, their locations, condition, risk ratings, and recommended actions. The register must be kept up to date and made available to anyone who needs it.
Management Plan Requirements
Following the survey, you need a management plan that sets out how identified ACMs will be managed. This includes monitoring schedules, procedures for safe working, emergency procedures, re-inspection intervals, and responsibilities. The management plan is a living document that must be reviewed and updated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a management survey take?
Survey duration depends on building size and complexity. A small office might take 2-3 hours; a large commercial building could take several days. Reports are typically issued within 3–7 working days of survey completion, depending on project scope and receipt of laboratory results.
Will the survey be disruptive to building occupants?
Management surveys are designed to be minimally disruptive. Surveyors work around occupants and access requirements. Some areas may need temporary clearance for sampling. The surveyor will discuss access arrangements in advance.
What if some areas cannot be accessed during the survey?
Inaccessible areas will be noted in the report with recommendations for future investigation. These areas should be presumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise. The duty holder must arrange access when possible.
How long is a management survey valid?
There is no fixed expiry date, but surveys should be reviewed whenever circumstances change. The condition of known and presumed ACMs is monitored through inspections at intervals set according to risk, and the management plan should be reviewed at least every 12 months. When circumstances change, review the existing survey information and assess whether further surveying is needed; its scope depends on the proposed work and any gaps in the existing information.
What qualifications should the surveyor have?
Surveyors should hold a relevant qualification, such as BOHS P402 – Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings or a comparable qualification from another training body, together with supervised field experience and assessed survey work; no qualification on its own demonstrates competence. The company should have quality management systems, professional indemnity insurance, and use UKAS-accredited laboratories. Ask for evidence of qualifications and accreditations.