Asbestos Commercial Management Survey | Leigh-On-Sea, Essex

Location: Leigh-On-Sea, Essex
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (Compliance with CAR 2012)
Survey Date: 09/07/2025

Objective:

A comprehensive asbestos management survey was undertaken at the commercial premises located in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The survey was commissioned to ensure the duty holder is compliant with their legal obligations under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

The objective was to identify and assess the condition of any accessible asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be be disturbed during normal business operations, daily activities, and routine maintenance, thereby ensuring the safety of employees, visitors, and contractors.

The survey was non-intrusive and covered all accessible areas of the building, including offices, communal areas, staff facilities, and plant rooms.

Scope of Work:

The survey was conducted via a systematic visual inspection of the building. All reasonably accessible surface materials were examined for potential asbestos content. Representative samples of suspect materials were collected and dispatched to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for definitive analysis. Materials that were not sampled but are known to commonly contain asbestos were presumed to do so. The condition of each identified or presumed ACM was assessed to determine its potential to release fibres.

Key Findings:

The survey confirmed the presence of the following asbestos-containing materials within the premises:

• Asbestos Cement Panels: Panels forming the roof of an external storage outbuilding were identified as asbestos cement. These are currently in a stable, weathered condition.
• Suspended Ceiling Tiles: A number of ceiling tiles within the main office area were identified as Asbestos Insulating Board. They are in good condition but could be easily damaged by maintenance work in the ceiling void.
• Vinyl Floor Tiles: The staff kitchen area contains vinyl floor tiles and associated bitumen adhesive which were both confirmed to contain chrysotile asbestos.
• Pipe Insulation: Remnants of older thermal insulation were identified on pipework in the main boiler room. The insulation is partially damaged, presenting a potential risk of fibre release.

Conclusion & Recommendations:

The survey successfully identified several types of ACMs within the property. To comply with regulations and ensure a safe working environment, the following actions are required:

1. Develop and Implement an Asbestos Management Plan: The duty holder must use the asbestos register to create a formal management plan. This plan must detail how the risks from these materials will be managed.
2. Address High-Risk Materials: The damaged pipe insulation in the boiler room should be prioritised for immediate remedial action. This area should be restricted until the material is either repaired, encapsulated, or removed by a licensed contractor.
3. Inform and Train: The asbestos register and management plan must be made available to any staff or contractors who may carry out work on the fabric of the building. Asbestos awareness training should be provided to relevant maintenance staff.
4. Label and Monitor: Clear asbestos warning labels should be placed on the access points to areas with high-risk materials, such as the boiler room and ceiling voids containing AIB. All ACMs must be re-inspected periodically to monitor their condition.
5. Plan for Future Work: No intrusive work should be carried out on the building’s structure without the first consulting the asbestos register. A refurbishment and demolition survey will be required before any major upgrades or changes are made.

By adopting these measures, the duty holder can effectively manage the risks from asbestos on-site and maintain full legal compliance.