What Is an Asbestos Management Survey?
An asbestos management survey — sometimes called a Type 2 survey — is the standard inspection carried out in occupied and in-use buildings. Its purpose is to identify the presence, location, extent, and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during normal building occupation, maintenance, and use.
The survey involves a visual inspection and minor intrusive sampling of accessible areas. The surveyor takes representative samples which are sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for identification and fibre-type analysis.
Who Needs a Management Survey?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) Regulation 4, duty holders have a legal obligation to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. This applies to:
- Commercial landlords and building owners
- Employers responsible for maintaining premises
- Managing agents for commercial properties
- Schools, hospitals, offices, factories, and warehouses built before 2000
- Common areas of residential blocks (hallways, boiler rooms, etc.)
The duty does not apply to owner-occupied domestic homes, but a survey is strongly recommended before any renovation work on a pre-2000 property.
What Does a Management Survey Cover?
A management survey covers all reasonably accessible areas of a building, including:
| Area | Typically Inspected |
|---|---|
| Ceiling tiles and covings | Yes |
| Pipe lagging and insulation | Yes |
| Floor tiles and adhesives | Yes |
| Textured coatings (Artex) | Yes |
| Roof panels and soffits | Yes |
| Boiler and plant rooms | Yes |
| Inside wall cavities | No – requires refurbishment survey |
| Below structural floors | No – requires refurbishment survey |
Cost of a Management Survey
| Property Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Small residential property (1–3 bed) | £200 – £350 |
| Medium residential (4–5 bed) | £300 – £500 |
| Small commercial office / shop | £300 – £600 |
| Medium commercial building | £500 – £1,200 |
| Large commercial / industrial | £1,000 – £3,000+ |
Prices vary by location and surveyor. Always get quotes from at least two UKAS-accredited firms.
What You Receive
After the site visit and laboratory analysis, you receive a written survey report containing:
- A schedule of all suspected and confirmed ACMs
- Location plans showing where materials were found
- Condition assessments using the HSG264 material assessment algorithm
- Laboratory certificates for all samples analysed
- Management recommendations — encapsulate, monitor, or remove
This report forms the basis of your asbestos register — a legal document you must maintain and make available to contractors before any work begins.