Key points

• Buildings built before 1 January 2000 are likely to contain asbestos containing materials (ACMs). For buildings built after 1 January 2000, the risk of asbestos material being present is lower.
• Asbestos surveys are designed to identify asbestos material in buildings and workplaces and provide information on the types of asbestos present, the quantity, and the condition of the asbestos.
• Asbestos surveyors have a duty to make sure the work they do does not create a risk to other people – this means providing thorough and accurate survey reports that will allow for the appropriate management or removal of asbestos.
• Only a ‘competent person’, someone with the right qualifications and experience, should conduct asbestos surveys.