Location: Barking
Property Type: Commercial Garage
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (CAR 2012 Compliance)
Survey Date: 08/07/2026
Commercial Asbestos Survey Completed in Barking
Asbestos Surveys Essex was recently appointed to complete an asbestos management survey at a commercial garage in Barking, Essex. The survey was arranged by the property owner to establish whether any asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were present within the building and to support compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
The garage was fully operational at the time of the inspection, with staff, vehicles and equipment all in regular use. The client needed a clear asbestos survey before planned maintenance works could go ahead, helping to protect employees, contractors and visitors from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Our qualified asbestos surveyor carried out the inspection in line with HSG264: Asbestos: The Survey Guide, completing a thorough assessment of all accessible areas within the commercial garage.
The Property
The survey related to a commercial garage premises in Barking, Essex. The site included a workshop area, reception space, storage rooms, office accommodation and external service areas.
Given the age and construction of the building, there was a realistic possibility that asbestos containing materials could still be present within the original structure or later additions. In garages and workshop buildings of this type, common asbestos containing materials can include cement roof sheets, cement guttering, insulation board, textured coatings, vinyl floor tiles and pipe insulation.
The purpose of the asbestos management survey was to identify any accessible ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupation, routine maintenance or repair work.
Carrying Out the Survey
Before the inspection began, the survey scope was agreed with the client and access arrangements were confirmed. As the garage remained open for business, the survey was planned carefully to reduce disruption while maintaining safe working conditions.
A structured inspection was then completed across the premises, covering both internal and external areas. This included the workshop, office accommodation, storage areas, plant spaces, accessible roof voids and external building elements where asbestos is commonly found.
Where required, inspection tools such as LED lighting, mirrors and step ladders were used to examine concealed or difficult-to-reach locations.
Throughout the survey, the condition of any suspect materials was assessed and any signs of damage, wear or previous repair were noted.
Cement Roof Sampling
A key part of the survey involved investigating the cement roof covering to the garage building. Older cement roofing products can contain chrysotile (white asbestos), so laboratory testing is often required before any repair, maintenance or refurbishment work is carried out.
Representative samples were therefore taken from the cement roof sheets. Each sampling point was lightly wetted before a small sample was removed using controlled techniques to reduce the risk of fibre release. The samples were then double-bagged, labelled and logged against the relevant roof area.
Once sampling was complete, the exposed areas were sealed with an appropriate encapsulating product to leave the roof in a safe condition. All sampling waste and disposable materials were collected and disposed of in line with recognised asbestos sampling procedures.
The samples were sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory for asbestos identification using polarised light microscopy.
Cement Guttering Sampling
The external cement guttering was also identified as a suspect asbestos containing material and required sampling. Cement guttering and associated rainwater goods are often found on older commercial buildings and may contain asbestos reinforcement. As with the roof sheets, laboratory analysis was needed to confirm whether asbestos was present.
Representative samples were carefully removed from the cement guttering using controlled sampling methods. Each sample was sealed, labelled and recorded before being submitted to a UKAS accredited laboratory for asbestos identification.
After sampling, the affected areas were sealed where appropriate and left in a safe condition.
Survey Findings
The asbestos management survey successfully covered all accessible areas included within the agreed scope. The cement roof and cement guttering were identified as suspect asbestos containing materials, and representative samples were taken for laboratory analysis.
In addition to these external materials, the remaining accessible building materials were visually inspected and their condition recorded. Any suspect materials identified during the survey were included in the asbestos register, along with their condition, accessibility and recommendations for ongoing management. Where asbestos containing materials are found to be in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, removal is not always necessary. In many cases, they can be safely managed through regular inspections, an accurate asbestos register and suitable management procedures.
This allows commercial property owners to remain compliant while avoiding unnecessary removal costs.
Importance of Asbestos Management Surveys
Commercial property owners, landlords and duty holders have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos within non-domestic premises. An asbestos management survey helps identify the location and condition of asbestos containing materials before they are damaged or disturbed during everyday use. These surveys are especially important in garage premises, where contractors may regularly carry out mechanical repairs, electrical work, roofing maintenance, drainage repairs and general building upkeep.
Having an up-to-date asbestos survey reduces the risk of accidental disturbance and gives contractors the information they need before starting work.
Need an Asbestos Survey in Barking?
If you need a commercial asbestos survey in Barking or anywhere across Essex, Asbestos Surveys Essex can provide fast, professional and competitively priced asbestos inspections. Whether you own a garage, workshop, industrial premises, offices, retail units or other commercial properties, we can help you meet your legal obligations and manage asbestos risks safely.
Contact Asbestos Surveys Essex today to arrange your asbestos management survey in Barking and receive expert advice from experienced asbestos surveyors serving Essex and the surrounding areas.