During an asbestos survey, inspectors should focus on which of the following areas?

The focus of an asbestos survey should be on areas such as attics, basements, mechanical rooms, and renovation or demolition sites because these locations are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) due to their historical use in construction. Attics and basements often store older materials, which may include asbestos. Mechanical rooms house equipment that could be insulated with materials containing asbestos, and renovation or demolition sites are critical to inspect because older buildings often have hidden ACMs that could be disturbed during such activity.

Inspecting only areas with visible damage could lead to overlooking potentially hazardous materials in intact conditions, while focusing solely on public areas or just the roof and exterior restricts the scope of the inspection and risks missing significant, concealed asbestos risks within the building structure itself. The comprehensive approach of surveying locations commonly associated with asbestos usage ensures better identification and management of any potential risks, promoting safer environments.