Asbestos Commercial Management Survey | Enfield

Location: Enfield, North London
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (Compliance with CAR 2012)
Survey Date: 08/09/2025

Project Overview:

We were engaged by the property owner to undertake a comprehensive asbestos management survey at a mixed-use site in Enfield. The property comprises a ground-floor commercial unit with residential flats located on the upper floor. The primary goal was to identify all accessible asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assess their condition, and provide the ‘Duty Holder’ with a robust asbestos register. This is a legal necessity for ensuring the ongoing health and safety of employees, tenants, and contractors.

Survey Methodology:

Our survey was methodically executed to cover all distinct areas of the property, including:

• Vehicle workshop
• Customer reception
• Office spaces
• Communal areas of residential flats

The inspection was carried out in a manner that respected the activities of the operational business and the privacy of the residents. Our surveyor identified various materials with the potential to contain asbestos, based on the age and construction of the building. Samples were taken from these materials in a controlled manner for subsequent analysis at a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

Key Findings:

The laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of asbestos in several locations, which have now been fully documented in the asbestos register. The key findings were:

• Bitumen Felt on Flat Roof: The flat roof section at the rear of the property was covered with a bitumen felt that was confirmed to contain chrysotile (white) asbestos.
• Asbestos Rope Seals: The flue pipe connected to an older heating boiler in the workshop’s utility room was sealed at the joints with asbestos rope. This material is friable and presents a high risk if disturbed.
• AIB Infill Panels: Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) was identified in panels below the windows on the first-floor residential landing.
• Reinforced Plastic Toilet Cistern: The cistern in the workshop’s staff toilet was made from a black plastic composite reinforced with asbestos fibres.

A detailed breakdown of all material locations, conditions, and risk assessments is provided within the full survey report.

Conclusion & Recommendations:

To ensure compliant and safe management of the property, the following actions are a priority:

1. Immediate Action on High-Risk Items: The asbestos rope seals on the boiler flue are friable and in poor condition. We strongly recommend their immediate professional removal by a licensed asbestos contractor to eliminate the risk of fibre release.
2. Implement a Management Plan: The Asbestos Register must be actively used to manage the site. The plan must detail who is responsible for what and how the risks from the remaining ACMs will be controlled.
3. Prohibit Abrasive Cleaning: The asbestos-containing roof felt must not be cleaned with jet washers or stiff brushes, as this can release fibres. Any future roof work must be preceded by a full risk assessment.
4. Communicate and Label: The presence of the AIB window panels must be clearly communicated to residents and contractors. Discreet labels should be placed in the vicinity to prevent accidental drilling or damage.
5. Schedule Annual Re-inspections: The condition of all remaining ACMs must be monitored. A competent person should re-inspect them at least every 12 months, or sooner if there is a risk of damage, to ensure they remain in a safe condition.

By diligently following these recommendations, the duty holder can effectively manage asbestos risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide a safe working environment.