Presumptive survey – Type 1
This is the initial survey of the site or buildings and it is these which form the basis of the management programme. The presumptive survey is intended to assess the quantity of ACMs on a site and to make an initial judgment of any necessary works. Presumptive surveys involve minimal, if any, disruption to the fabric of the building or to business operations.
Sampling survey – Type 2
Where suspected ACMs are identified it may be necessary to carry out laboratory analysis of samples of the materials in order to determine their nature. It is often not necessary to sample every suspected ACM since many can be identified by inspection or simply assumed to contain asbestos.
With the exception of the materials which are sampled a sampling survey involves the same level of disturbance to the fabric of the building as a presumptive survey.
Samples must be taken in accordance with an appropriate method statement and analysis must be carried out by an accredited laboratory.
Full access survey – Type 3
When a building is to be demolished or major renovations are planned a full access survey will be required. This is a destructive survey and involves significant disturbance to the fabric of the building in order to access all areas to determine the exact nature and volume of all ACMs present in the affected part of the building.
If significant modifications are planned in an area of a building it may be necessary to carry out a type 3 survey in the affected areas.