Asbestos surveys are a crucial aspect of managing the risk associated with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in properties. These surveys provide valuable information about the location, amount, and condition of any ACMs in a property. The discoveries made during an asbestos survey can greatly influence decisions regarding building maintenance, renovations, or demolition.

When an asbestos survey is conducted, the first thing to expect is a thorough inspection of all areas of the property. This includes not only easily accessible locations but also hidden places where asbestos might be present such as behind walls or above ceilings. The surveyor will take samples from various materials suspected to contain asbestos for laboratory testing.

The results from these tests can reveal some surprising findings. In many cases, materials that were assumed to be safe may turn out to contain asbestos while others that were suspected might be found free from it. For instance, floor tiles, cement products, insulation materials and textured coatings which are common in many buildings could potentially contain this harmful substance.

One important discovery that can come out of an asbestos survey is identifying damaged or deteriorating ACMs. If these materials are disturbed or damaged further they could release harmful fibres into the air posing serious health risks including lung cancer and mesothelioma -a rare form of cancer linked specifically to asbestos exposure- among others.

Another significant outcome could be finding previously unknown ACMs on your property which were overlooked during previous inspections due to their inconspicuous nature or location. This new knowledge enables you to manage them appropriately hence safeguarding occupants’ health and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Upon completion of learn the ins and outs lab analysis, you should expect a comprehensive report detailing all findings including types and quantities of ACMs detected along with their precise locations within the premises. It should also include recommendations on how best to manage identified risks either through encapsulation -sealing off affected areas-, removal by licensed professionals or simply leaving undisturbed if deemed safe enough.

In some cases, the survey may reveal that your property is completely free from asbestos. While this certainly is good news, it’s important to remember that any future renovation or demolition works could potentially expose hidden ACMs hence the need for regular surveys especially in older buildings.

In conclusion, discoveries from an asbestos survey can be diverse ranging from identifying ACMs in unexpected places to uncovering damaged materials posing immediate risks. Regardless of what is found, these surveys are essential in ensuring a safe environment for building occupants and compliance with legal requirements regarding asbestos management.