Asbestos Management Commercial Survey – North London

Location: North London
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (Compliance with CAR 2012)
Survey Date: 03/11/2025

Project Overview

We were recently appointed to carry out a commercial asbestos management survey at a prominent high-street retail premises in North London. The property, a substantial period building with ground floor retail space and upper floor accommodation, required a thorough asbestos assessment to support the landlord’s duty to manage and ensure full compliance with current health and safety regulations.

Survey Methodology

Our surveyor conducted a comprehensive visual and sampling inspection throughout all accessible areas of the building – including the ground floor retail unit, entrance areas, rear storage and service rooms, upper floor offices or residential accommodation, stairwells, WC facilities, roof void spaces, and external building fabric. The survey was completed in accordance with HSG264 guidance, with all suspect materials sampled and analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The work was carefully coordinated to minimise disruption to the business operations and building occupants.

Key Findings

• Ceiling Coatings: Chrysotile (white asbestos) was identified in textured ceiling finishes within the rear storage area on the ground floor. The material was in stable condition with no signs of damage or deterioration.
• Window Putty: Asbestos-containing putty was detected in the original metal-framed windows on the upper floor elevation. The putty remained intact and well-sealed.
• Roof Felt: Bituminous roofing felt containing asbestos fibres was found on sections of the flat roof area. The material showed age-related weathering but remained structurally sound.
• No asbestos detected in floor tiles, wall panels, internal partitions, door frames, or decorative finishes throughout the main occupied spaces.

The Asbestos Register, which contains a full list of all identified materials, their condition, and a formal risk assessment, is available in the main survey report.

Conclusion & Recommendations

To ensure the site is managed safely and in full compliance with regulations, the following strategic actions are recommended:

1. Managed in Situ: The textured ceiling coating and window putty should be managed in place and monitored regularly. They pose no immediate risk provided they remain undisturbed and in good repair.
2. Roof Monitoring: The asbestos-containing roof felt should be inspected annually for signs of deterioration, with any damaged areas requiring remedial action by a licensed contractor.
3. Ongoing Management: All identified ACMs should be incorporated into the building’s asbestos management plan with periodic condition assessments and register updates.
4. Contractor Awareness: All maintenance personnel, contractors, and tenants must be briefed on the asbestos register before undertaking any intrusive works, window replacement, or refurbishment activities.
5. Future Works: Should major refurbishment, façade restoration, or demolition be planned, a refurbishment and demolition survey will be required to assess all concealed materials and coordinate safe removal procedures.

By diligently following these recommendations, the duty holder can effectively manage asbestos risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide a safe environment for staff, tenants, customers, and contractors.

Outcome

The completed management survey provided the property owner with a detailed asbestos register and practical management framework, giving them confidence that the premises meet HSE requirements. The building can now be maintained and operated safely, with all asbestos-containing materials clearly identified, assessed, and risk-managed.