Commercial Asbestos Management Survey | Barking, Essex

Commercial Asbestos Management Survey – Barking, Essex

Location: Barking, Essex
Property Type: Commercial Retail Unit (Pharmacy)
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (CAR 2012 Compliance)
Survey Date: 03/01/2026

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Project Summary

We were appointed to undertake an asbestos management survey within a ground-floor pharmacy unit in Barking, Essex. The premises formed part of a larger, older commercial building and remained operational throughout the survey. The objective was to identify and assess any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the demised retail unit to ensure continued safety and regulatory compliance.

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Survey Scope & Methodology

A non-intrusive asbestos management survey was carried out within all accessible areas of the pharmacy, including:

• Retail and dispensary areas

• Back-of-house storage rooms

• Staff areas and welfare facilities

• Internal service enclosures and ceiling voids

Materials suspected of containing asbestos were sampled where appropriate and analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The survey was completed in line with HSG264 guidance, with minimal disruption to daily business operations.

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Survey Findings

• Ceiling & Soffit Materials: Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was identified within sections of internal soffits and bulkheads above the shopfront, typical of retail units of this construction period. The material was in good condition and remained sealed.

• Service Enclosures: Asbestos-containing board was identified within internal service boxing associated with electrical and data installations. These panels were intact and undisturbed.

• Shopfront Areas: No asbestos-containing materials were identified within modern shopfront glazing, signage, or recently installed retail fittings.

• Back-of-House Areas: No asbestos-containing materials were identified within floor finishes, wall linings, or storage shelving.

The asbestos register provides detailed locations, photographs, material assessments, and priority risk ratings for all identified ACMs within the pharmacy unit.

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Management Recommendations

• Retention & Monitoring: Identified ACMs can remain in place and should be monitored periodically under an asbestos management plan.

• Access Restrictions: Areas containing AIB should remain sealed and accessed only by authorised personnel.

• Contractor Controls: All contractors must be provided with the asbestos register prior to undertaking any works within the unit.

• Future Alterations: Any refurbishment works affecting ceilings, soffits, or service routes will require an asbestos refurbishment survey before works commence.

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Outcome

The client now has a fully compliant asbestos register and management plan for the pharmacy. All identified asbestos-containing materials were found to be in stable condition and present a low risk during normal occupation, allowing the business to continue trading safely and in compliance with asbestos regulations.