Asbestos Management Commercial Survey – East London

Location: East 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 railway arch MOT testing and vehicle repair facility in East London. The property, a converted Victorian railway arch with characteristic brick vaulting, required a comprehensive asbestos assessment to support the business owner’s duty to manage and ensure full compliance with current health and safety regulations.

Survey Methodology

Our surveyor conducted a detailed visual and sampling inspection throughout all accessible areas of the premises – including the main workshop floor, MOT testing bay, vehicle inspection pit, rear storage areas, WC facilities, external forecourt, and the historic brick arch structure itself. The survey was completed in accordance with HSG264 guidance, with all suspect materials sampled and analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The work was scheduled to minimise disruption to the garage’s operational activities.

Key Findings

• Wall Panels: Asbestos cement sheet material was detected on sections of internal partition walls within the rear storage area. The panels were painted and in good condition.
• Soffit Panels: Asbestos cement soffit boards were present at the arch entrance fascia. The material was intact with minor surface weathering.
• Pipe Insulation: Sections of asbestos-containing pipe lagging were identified on redundant heating pipework running along the side wall of the workshop. The insulation showed some surface wear but remained largely intact.
• Floor Tiles: Vinyl floor tiles in the WC facility were confirmed to contain chrysotile asbestos. The tiles were firmly adhered with no signs of lifting or damage.
• Textured Coating: Chrysotile (white asbestos) was identified in textured coating applied to a small ceiling panel area near the rear entrance. The material was in stable condition.
• Cement Board: Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was found behind electrical mounting panels on the workshop side wall. The board was sealed and showed no visible deterioration.
• No asbestos detected in the main floor surface, modern electrical fittings, or the historic brick arch structure itself.

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. Pipe Insulation: The asbestos lagging on redundant pipework should be encapsulated or removed by a licensed contractor to prevent future fibre release.
2. AIB Management: The asbestos insulating board behind electrical panels must not be disturbed. Any future electrical work in this area requires specialist asbestos controls.
3. Ongoing Management: All identified ACMs should be incorporated into the site’s asbestos management plan with regular condition assessments and updates to the register.
4. Managed in Situ: The wall panels, soffit boards, floor tiles, and textured coating should remain in place and be monitored annually. They pose no immediate risk provided they remain undisturbed and in good repair.
5. Staff & Contractor Awareness: All personnel, maintenance staff, and contractors must be briefed on the asbestos register before undertaking any repair works, installations, or structural modifications.
6. Future Works: Should refurbishment, extension works, 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 working environment for staff, contractors, and customers.

Outcome

The completed management survey provided the garage owner with a comprehensive asbestos register and practical management framework, giving them confidence that their premises meet HSE requirements. The facility can now be operated and maintained safely, with all asbestos-containing materials clearly identified, assessed, and risk-managed in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.