Asbestos Commercial Management Survey | Rolvendon

Location: Rolvendon, Kent
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (Compliance with CAR 2012)
Survey Date: 12/09/2025

Project Overview:

We were commissioned by the site operator to carry out a comprehensive asbestos management survey across a series of large storage and workshop units in Rolvenden, Kent. The key objective was to provide the ‘Duty Holder’ with a clear and actionable asbestos register. This document is in the cornerstone of a safe working environment, serving to protect employees, tenants, and visiting contractors from inadvertent exposure to asbestos fibres.

Survey Methodology:

Our surveyor conducted a systematic visual audit of the property, encompassing both the interior and exterior of the main commercial buildings. The inspection was carefully planned around the site’s operational hours to avoid disrupting business activities. Based on the age and construction methods of the buildings, a targeted sampling strategy was employed. This involved taking representative samples of materials suspected to contain asbestos for conclusive laboratory analysis, all while following strict safety protocols.

Key Findings:

The analysis carried out by a UKAS-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of ACMs in several forms. The most significant findings were:

• Asbestos Cement Roof Sheeting: The roofs on both of the large barn-style units were constructed from corrugated sheets of chrysotile (white) asbestos cement.
• Asbestos Cement Undercloaking: Strips of asbestos cement were identified as undercloaking along the eaves (the lower edge of the roof).
• Bitumen Damp Proof Course (DPC): The bitumen DPC layer visible at the base of the brickwork sections was found to contain asbestos fibres.
• Asbestos Gaskets: Within the pipework of an older heating system in one of the workshops, several gaskets were identified as being made from asbestos.

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. Develop a Visual Site Plan: We recommend creating a simple, colour-coded site map that clearly shows the location of all identified ACMs. This map should be a key part of the induction for any contractors coming to work on the site.
2. Manage Roof and Gutter Debris: The asbestos cement roofs are currently in a stable condition. It is crucial to implement a procedure for safely clearing any debris from the gutters, as this may contain asbestos residue. This task should only be undertaken by trained personnel.
3. Control Ground-Level Works: Any future groundworks or repairs near the base of the buildings must take the asbestos-containing DPC into account to prevent it from being disturbed.
4. Prioritise Gasket Removal: The asbestos gaskets on the heating system should be professionally removed at the next available opportunity (e.g., during scheduled maintenance) to eliminate the risk of future fibre release.
5. Implement Annual Condition Checks: A formal re-inspection of all remaining ACMs must be carried out annually by a competent person to monitor their condition and update the Asbestos Register accordingly.

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