Asbestos Surveys

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Date created: Date modified: 20 Feb 2025

National Guide for Asbestos Surveys

The National Guide for Asbestos Surveys was developed by the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) in consultation with asbestos professionals, industry associations, regulatory authorities and worker representatives.

What is this guide about?

This guide aims to provide a robust and standardised process for conducting asbestos surveys (also known as asbestos inspections or audits) in buildings and structures across Australia, so that effective actions can be taken to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

Asbestos surveys must be carried out by competent persons (surveyors). This guide describes the steps that asbestos surveyors should follow in identifying and recording the presence and location of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and assessing the risk that the ACM presents.

It also provides guidance for those who commission asbestos surveys (property owners or managers) on how to prepare for a survey and how to use the information from this process to manage asbestos exposure risks.

Adopting the National Guide for Asbestos Surveys is not mandatory but is recommended to promote consistency and best practice in conducting asbestos surveys.

ACM Risk Calculator

The National Guide for Asbestos Surveys adopts the ACM risk assessment model developed by the Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency (VAEA). The VAEA also developed an online calculator to automate and simplify the risk assessment process.

The ACM risk calculator uses standardised terminology, removes subjectivity from the risk assessment and provides consistent, evidence-based results to inform asbestos management and removal plans.

Surveyors can upload ACM data (for example, from a register or spreadsheet) and quickly receive risk ratings for each material. The calculator assesses risk based on 4 factors – ACM condition, ACM friability, ACM disturbance potential, and building rating – to produce a risk level: high, medium, low. Each level comes with recommended actions.

Arranging a residential asbestos survey

This fact sheet provides additional guidance for homeowners on arranging an asbestos survey for residential properties. An asbestos survey should always be carried out before starting any renovation.