RICS Knowledgebase

Our consumer guide on Home surveys is available here https://www.ricsfirms.com/residential/moving-home/surveys/rics-consumer-guide-home-surveys/

The amount of detail that a surveyor will go into will depend on accessibility and the level of survey commissioned.

As per the Home Survey Standard, 1st edition, The terms of engagement must point out that the service does not include an asbestos inspection and it falls outside The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. However, the report should properly emphasise the suspected presence of asbestos-containing materials if the inspection identifies that possibility. 

While all asbestos use in the UK has been banned for nearly 25 years, the Health and Safety Executive is reminding tradespeople that the material remains a significant risk in existing buildings.

HSE warns of continued asbestos dangers | Journals | RICS

The HSE has a range of resources including the duty to manage Asbestos in buildings and asbestos register and management plan templates https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty/index.htm and https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/asbestos-your-duty-campaign-assets