An asbestos survey by Safe Environments will assist to identify asbestos containing materials in a building. The NSW OHS regulation requires that all buildings suspected of containing asbestos materials must have an asbestos survey conducted.  Most buildings prior to 1990 will generally have some asbestos present, thus will require an asbestos survey.

The asbestos survey involves a combination of visual inspection of the accessible areas of the building and the collection of materials suspected of containing asbestos. The suspected asbestos samples are then analysed by a NATA accredited laboratory to identify if asbestos is present in the material. The results of the asbestos survey are tabulated in a register which include:

• Location of the asbestos containing material
• Asbestos composition and type through mineralogical analysis and the material friability
• Risk to health based on the condition, potential disturbance and occupancy level
• Recommendations to control or further minimise risk to occupant health

The results of an asbestos survey are an essential part of an asbestos management plan and are essential to identify asbestos situations to contractors conducting maintenance or repair work. An asbestos survey should be conducted on a yearly basis, or sooner if the asbestos containing material has been disturbed or removed, to identify the risk to health.