Asbestos Surveys, Recorded and Risk-Scored

There are two main types defined in HSG264. A management survey is the standard survey used to locate asbestos-containing materials during normal occupancy so they can be managed in situ. A refurbishment and demolition survey is required before any building work that may disturb the fabric of the building, and it is more intrusive — involving destructive inspection to access all areas where asbestos may be present.

A management survey is non-intrusive and identifies ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupation and routine maintenance. A refurbishment and demolition survey is fully intrusive and is carried out in areas where building work is planned. The R&D survey aims to find all asbestos-containing materials in the area before work begins, which often means lifting floor coverings, opening up walls, and accessing voids.

Asbestos surveys must be conducted by a competent surveyor. HSG264 recommends that surveyors hold a BOHS P402 qualification (Surveying and Sampling Strategies for Asbestos in Buildings) or equivalent. Many clients also require their surveyors to be employed by a UKAS-accredited inspection body. Competence includes both formal training and practical experience in identifying asbestos-containing materials.

Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a duty on the person responsible for maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises to manage the risk from asbestos. This includes finding out whether asbestos is present by commissioning a survey, assessing its condition, preparing a management plan, and ensuring anyone who might disturb the materials is informed. The duty applies to owners, landlords, managing agents, and occupiers depending on the terms of any lease or tenancy.

AnyInspect captures video footage of every area surveyed, with each identified or presumed ACM logged against the relevant timestamp. The app records material type, product type, condition, surface treatment, accessibility, sample reference numbers, and photographs. All data is geolocated and linked to floor plans, creating a rich, visual survey record that goes far beyond traditional text-based reports.

Every sample is assigned a unique reference at the point of collection and linked to the exact location, material description, and video footage. AnyInspect tracks each sample through dispatch, laboratory receipt, analysis, and result. When lab results are returned, they are matched to the corresponding sample record automatically, maintaining a complete chain of custody.

AnyInspect uses a risk scoring framework aligned with HSG264 principles. Each ACM is assessed on two axes: the material assessment score (product type, condition, surface treatment, and asbestos type) and the priority assessment score (occupant activity, likelihood of disturbance, maintenance activity, and accessibility). These combine to produce an overall risk rating that helps dutyholders prioritise management actions.

AnyInspect produces comprehensive survey reports in branded PDF format, including an executive summary, methodology, floor plans with ACM locations, material descriptions, photographs, risk scores, and lab results. The full asbestos register can be exported as a spreadsheet for integration with existing management systems. Dutyholders can also access a live dashboard to review findings and video evidence at any time.