Asbestos Management Commercial Survey – East London

Location: East London
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey (Compliance with CAR 2012)
Survey Date: 01/11/2025

Project Overview

We were recently appointed to carry out a commercial asbestos management survey at a multi-storey industrial/commercial unit in East London. The property, a brick-built structure with ground floor commercial space and upper-floor offices or storage facilities, required a comprehensive asbestos assessment to support the landlord’s duty to manage and ensure compliance with current health and safety regulations.

Survey Methodology

Our surveyor conducted a detailed visual and sampling inspection throughout all accessible areas of the building – including the ground floor commercial unit, entrance lobbies, stairwells, upper floor offices, WC facilities, plant rooms, roof void spaces, and external building fabric. The survey was completed in accordance with HSG264 guidance, with all suspect materials sampled and analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Access arrangements were coordinated with the building management to ensure minimal disruption to occupants.

Key Findings

• Roof Felt: Bituminous roofing felt containing asbestos fibres was identified on sections of the flat roof. The material was weathered but intact with no significant tears or delamination.
• Window Panels: Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was detected within window surrounds on the upper floor rear elevation. The material was painted and showed no visible damage.
• External Soffits: Asbestos cement soffit boards were present along a section of the roofline. The material remained sound with minor surface weathering.
• No asbestos detected in ceiling tiles, floor coverings, wall plaster, internal partitions, or decorative finishes throughout the occupied spaces.

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. Roof Monitoring: The asbestos-containing roof felt should be inspected annually for signs of deterioration, with any damaged areas repaired or encapsulated by a licensed contractor.
2. AIB Management: Window panels containing AIB should remain sealed and undisturbed. Any future window replacement works must involve licensed asbestos removal.
3. Ongoing Management: All identified ACMs should be incorporated into the building’s asbestos management plan with regular condition assessments and updates to the register.
4. Tenant & Contractor Awareness: All occupants, maintenance staff, and contractors must be briefed on the asbestos register before undertaking any intrusive works, modifications, or repairs.
5. Future Works: Should refurbishment, façade works, or demolition be planned, a refurbishment and demolition survey will be required to assess all concealed materials and coordinate safe removal procedures.

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

Outcome

The completed management survey provided the building owner with a comprehensive asbestos register and practical management strategy, giving them confidence that the premises meet HSE requirements. The property can now be maintained and leased safely, with all asbestos-containing materials clearly identified, assessed, and risk-managed in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.