Who can carry out an asbestos survey?

Only qualified and competent asbestos surveyors can legally carry out an asbestos survey. In the UK, surveyors should be accredited by the UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) to ISO 17020 standards, which ensures the work meets strict quality and safety requirements. These professionals are trained to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and understand where asbestos is likely to be found in different types of buildings.

You should never rely on general contractors or maintenance workers for asbestos identification — they aren’t qualified to handle or assess asbestos safely. Using an accredited asbestos surveyor not only ensures accurate results but also helps you comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which make it a legal requirement for duty holders to manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises.