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If the property you intend to buy was built before the year 2000 , it MAY contain Asbestos. Asbestos was used in various building materials within domestic properties. Sometimes the asbestos material is obvious , however most of the time asbestos can be hiding in places you would never think of. Asbestos can be unchartered territory for many homebuyers , especially first time buyers. This can lead to confusion when knowing whether Asbestos Surveys are required or even needed. We have broken down some of the most popular questions to help you out.

If you know you need an asbestos survey but are unsure what information should be included , then you need to read our guide first. There are two types of asbestos survey , therefore you firstly need to know which one you require so you are equipped with the knowledge needed to deal with any asbestos found. For example , if you need to know what asbestos is contained in a property and the condition of this then a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey would be the wrong choice for you. Asbestos surveys are designed is to find asbestos within an area/property. Although the report layout will vary from company to company - the core information should be included and it should be set out in a format which is understandable. There is no point getting the asbestos report back and not know what you are looking at. Here at Surv-Tec Nottingham , we will guide you through the process and explain any sections you are unsure about - but as minimum , this is the information you should have included on your asbestos report - For both types of asbestos report : executive summary; introduction covering the scope of work; general site and survey information; survey results (including material assessment results); conclusions and actions; bulk analysis results. For Asbestos Management Surveys , the report should show: Asbestos Product Type : For example , textured coating Location of the material : For example , Bedroom 1 (Ceiling) . There should be a unique reference to the location and if a sample has been taken of the material , there should also be a unique sample reference number. Extent or quantity of material : For example , 12m2 Asbestos Type : This could have been determined from samples being removed and tested at a lab , or presumption by the surveyor (based on their experience and knowledge of similar materials) Accessibility and/or vulnerability of the material(s) : For example , easy access in open bedroom. Amount of damage or deterioration : For example , no damage , poor condition etc Surface Treatment : For example , painted For Asbestos Management Surveys , the report should show: Asbestos Product Type : For example , textured coating Location of the material : For example , Bedroom 1 (Ceiling) . There should be a unique reference to the location and if a sample has been taken of the material , there should also be a unique sample reference number. Extent or quantity of material : For example , 12m2 Asbestos Type : This could have been determined from samples being removed and tested at a lab , or presumption by the surveyor (based on their experience and knowledge of similar materials) If refurbishment or demolition works are due to be carried out more than 3 months after the survey is completed , then the information for a management survey should be obtained.

An Asbestos Management Survey carried out on a vacant retail unit in Nottingham , to ensure the responsible person is up to date with their legal obligations under CAR 2012

Asbestos Surveys are carried out to make a Materials Assessment. The purpose is to find Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) within a property and Record: What the material is Where it is How much there is How accessible it is The condition it is in and any surface treatment What the asbestos type is , by sampling or presuming. Only trained Asbestos Surveyors with experience should carry out Asbestos Surveys. How many types of Asbestos Survey are there? There are 2 types of Asbestos Survey: Management Survey - The purpose of an Asbestos Management Survey is to manage ACM during normal occupation and use of a premises. This type of survey is used to locate ACM in a property that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities , foreseeable maintenance or by installing new equipment. Refurbishment / Demolition Survey - When a premises is being refurbished or demolished , this type of survey is carried out to ensure no one will be harmed by work on ACM in the property or in equipment and to ensure works on ACM is carried out by a suitable contractor. The condition of the ACM is not required to be recorded for this type of survey. It is an intrusive survey which will locate all ACM in the property before any structural works begin. The area(s) must be vacant and made fit for reoccupation after the survey is completed.

Asbestos A group of six mined minerals which naturally occur in the Environment as groups of fibres that are separated into thin , durable threads to be used in domestic and commercial building products. Asbestos is heat , fire and chemically resistant and does not conduct electricity. This is why you find asbestos products in places such as around pipes and boilers and within fire doors and electrical fuses (amongst other places). You can be exposed to asbestos at work or in your home. When asbestos is disturbed , it releases microscopic fibres which become airborne and can be inhaled. Just because asbestos is within your home , it does not decrease or increase the risk of exposure. If asbestos fibres are inhaled , they can become lodged in your lung and remain there for long periods of time - this cause scarring and inflammation which affects breathing and leads to serious health problems Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen - A substance that causes cancer! There are long periods between exposure and symptoms of asbestos related diseases. it can take between 10-40 years or more for symptoms to develop! Everyone is exposed to asbestos at sometime during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air , water and soil. There is no evidence to suggest people become ill from this level of exposure. In general , those who become ill are usually those who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis mainly through their job or substantial environmental contact. Brief exposures have also resulted in asbestos related diseases too. There is evidence that family members of workers who are heavily exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk of second hand exposure. Fibres are brought home on clothes , shoes , skin and hair of workers. Asbestos related diseases include : Mesothelioma - a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs. It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and it is almost always fatal. Lung Cancer (Asbestos Related) - Looks the same as lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes Asbestosis - Serious scarring of the lung that occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over long periods of time. In severe cases asbestosis can be fatal. Pleural Thickening - The lining of the lung (Pleura) thickens and becomes swollen. This can cause a shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest if it gets worse and the lung is squeezed. It is important to take steps to protect yourself now because these diseases take a long time to develop , but once diagnosed it's often to late to do anything. By visiting the NHS website you can find out more about the symptoms of asbestos related diseases or speak to your doctor if you have concerns.