Asbestos Refurbishment Survey – Residential Property, Chelmsford, Essex

We have just been appointed to undertake an asbestos refurbishment survey in a domestic residence in Chelmsford, Essex. The property is a traditional mid-20th century terraced residence, which had benefited from a number of decorative changes over the years.

The homeowner was planning to undertake internal refurbishment works, including stripping out the ceiling finishes and redecorating throughout several rooms in the property. Prior to undertaking these works, it was necessary to investigate whether the existing textured finishes to the ceilings, known as Artex, contained asbestos.

Textured finishes have been used extensively in domestic properties in the UK from the 1960s to the 1990s, and it is known that these finishes contain low levels of chrysotile asbestos. The refurbishment works have the potential to disturb these finishes and thus an asbestos survey was necessary prior to undertaking works.

Survey Findings

Our surveyor visited the property in Chelmsford to conduct a focused asbestos refurbishment survey, which concentrated on the ceiling finishes in the affected areas.

The steps involved in conducting the survey were as follows:

• Visual inspection of the textured coating of the ceiling
• Sampling of the textured ceiling finish
• Inspection of the surrounding materials that might be affected during the refurbishment work
• Collection of samples in a safe manner, as recommended by the HSE

The textured coating was of the type that usually has a swirl effect, which is commonly seen in older Artex-style finishes that have been used in domestic dwellings in Essex.

Controlled samples of the textured coating were safely removed and sealed before being sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory to check whether or not asbestos was present.

It is necessary to test the textured coatings, as it is the only way to detect whether or not asbestos is present.

Recommendations

After the survey and laboratory testing, the client is provided with a report that contains the following information:

• Laboratory test results for the materials sampled
• Photographic evidence
• Location of the samples within the property
• Information on how to handle or remove asbestos safely

Asbestos in textured coatings does not have to be removed if in good condition and not disturbed. However, if refurbishment works include drilling, scraping, or removal of the ceiling coating, then removal or encapsulation may be necessary. The contractors undertaking the refurbishment works should always be made aware of the presence of asbestos before commencing work.

Outcome

By arranging an asbestos refurbishment survey in Chelmsford prior to the commencement of the refurbishment works, the homeowner was able to go ahead with their plans in a safe and responsible manner.

The survey gave the homeowner:

• Confirmation of the existence or non-existence of asbestos in the ceiling coatings
• Clarification to contractors who will undertake the refurbishment works
• Assurance that there will be reduced chances of disturbing asbestos by accident
• Compliance with the latest regulations in the UK concerning asbestos