What is the first step in conducting an asbestos survey?

Conducting a thorough visual inspection of the premises is essential as the first step in an asbestos survey because it allows the asbestos professional to assess the overall condition of the site and identify potential areas where asbestos-containing materials may be present. This phase involves looking for suspect materials, such as insulation, floor tiles, ceiling materials, and any other relevant components that may contain asbestos.

The visual inspection helps in gathering valuable information that will inform subsequent steps in the survey process, including where sampling should occur and what materials need to be tested. It's an integral part of understanding the scope of the site and preparing for more detailed analysis, such as sampling or consultation with regulatory bodies if necessary.

While pulling samples and developing a remediation plan are important aspects of managing asbestos risks, these steps should follow the initial visual inspection to ensure that the actions taken are informed by the observed conditions. Consulting with regulatory bodies is also important but typically comes after the initial assessment has been made.