The Importance of Conducting Asbestos Surveys in Older Buildings

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant properties and durability. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to its ban in many countries. For buildings constructed before the 1980s, the presence of asbestos can pose significant health hazards if not managed properly. This makes conducting asbestos survey in older buildings essential.

An asbestos survey is a systematic inspection of a building to identify and assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The process typically involves visual inspections, sampling, and laboratory analysis. Surveys can be classified into two categories: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys. Management surveys are designed to identify ACMs and ensure their safe management, while refurbishment/demolition surveys are conducted before renovation or demolition to determine the extent of asbestos that must be handled.