The short answers In brief
What is an asbestos survey?
An asbestos survey is an inspection of a building to find materials that may contain asbestos. The surveyor examines each accessible area, takes small samples of suspect materials for analysis by an accredited laboratory, and records every material's location, condition and risk. The output is a written report following HSE guidance HSG264.
What is the difference between a management and a refurbishment survey?
A management survey is for a building in normal use: it finds materials that could be damaged or disturbed day to day. A refurbishment and demolition survey is needed before building work; it is intrusive — lifting floors, opening walls — and only covers the areas being worked on.
How long does the survey take?
One to three hours on site for a typical Warrington house. Lab results and the report follow within 24 hours.