John D. Ells
Asbestos is one of the most dangerous risks hidden in many buildings around the world. Although its use has been restricted or banned in many countries, older buildings still have asbestos-containing materials that pose considerable health risks if not identified and managed. This article explores how asbestos survey play a crucial role in identifying these hidden hazards and protecting occupants and workers from potential exposure.
When discussing building safety, asbestos must be a priority. Invisible to the naked eye and often buried in construction materials, asbestos can quietly jeopardize lives if disturbed. However, with proper asbestos surveys, these threats can be thoroughly assessed and managed, ensuring safer environments for everyone.
What Is an Asbestos Survey?
An asbestos survey is a process specifically designed to locate and assess materials within a building that may contain asbestos. The survey identifies the presence of asbestos-containing materials, evaluates their condition, and determines whether they pose a risk to those who occupy or work in the building.
There are different types of asbestos surveys depending on the purpose, such as management surveys for regular maintenance and refurbishment or demolition surveys for construction or demolition works. Each type of survey aims to ensure that individuals are not unknowingly exposed to asbestos fibers, which can have devastating health impacts.
Why Is an Asbestos Survey Necessary?
The need for asbestos surveys is grounded in health, legal compliance, and risk control. Identifying asbestos within a building ensures timely action to minimize exposure. The fibers are not visible, nor do they present an immediate threat unless they are disturbed. This extremely subtle nature of asbestos dangers can result in delayed action, which increases risk.
Health complications for individuals working near materials containing asbestos can be severe. This includes lung-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other forms of lung cancer. These illnesses often emerge years after exposure, further emphasizing the importance of proactive asbestos identification through professional surveys.
From a legal perspective, many countries require building owners, employers, or construction firms to conduct asbestos surveys before any refurbishment or demolition project. These regulations aim to safeguard everyone involved in building use or redevelopment from accidental asbestos exposure.
How Are Hidden Hazards in Buildings Detected?
During an asbestos survey, specialized professionals conduct thorough investigations of the building’s interior and exterior. This examination is systematic, covering a wide range of potential asbestos-containing materials. While visual checks are an essential part of the process, they can be supplemented by air sampling, laboratory testing of materials, and targeted inspections.
Concerns about aging materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, vinyl flooring, or cement boards are included in surveys. Experts understand where asbestos might be found, including unusual spaces such as wall cavities, crawlspaces, or pipe fittings.
Once identified, the survey outlines the risk level the materials pose. High-risk materials that may degrade or be disturbed are flagged for immediate removal, while low-risk materials may be managed in place with proper encapsulation and monitoring practices.
Where Is Asbestos Found in Buildings?
Many construction materials used in older buildings likely contain asbestos due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. Before its dangers were fully understood, asbestos was widely used in several industries. Common examples include roofing shingles, cement sheets, textured paints, sprayed coatings for insulation, and pipe insulation.
The potential for hidden asbestos increases significantly in buildings constructed before regulations restricting its use in specific countries. For this reason, older homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities—especially those built before the 1980s—should not ignore survey requirements.
