Objective

We were instructed to carry out an asbestos management survey at a residential dwelling in Billericay, Essex. The purpose of the survey was to identify the presence, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within accessible areas, enabling safe occupation and ongoing management during routine maintenance.

As no refurbishment or demolition works were planned at the time of inspection, a management-level survey was undertaken in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

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Survey Approach

The survey was completed in line with HSG264 guidance and limited to a non-intrusive inspection of accessible areas only. No destructive inspection techniques were used.

The scope of inspection included:

• External elevations and roofline observed from ground level
• Internal access routes, staircases, and landing areas
• Main living spaces on both floors
• Kitchen, utility, and service areas
• Bathroom and WC areas
• Accessible service cupboards and boxed-in services
• Loft space, restricted to visual inspection only

Where suspect materials were identified elsewhere and safe access permitted, representative samples were taken under controlled conditions and submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.

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Survey Findings

The management survey identified a limited number of asbestos-containing materials associated with later alterations rather than the original construction:

• Textured Ceiling Coatings: Decorative textured coatings to selected ceilings were confirmed to contain asbestos. These were in good condition at the time of inspection.
• Asbestos Cement Materials: Asbestos cement components were identified externally, including soffit boards and a redundant flue terminal. These materials were weathered but intact.
• Resilient Floor Finishes: Asbestos-containing vinyl floor tiles were identified within a utility area, consistent with mid-20th-century installation.

No asbestos-containing materials were identified within traditional construction elements, including the thatched roof covering, timber roof structure, or original plaster finishes. No asbestos insulation board or loose asbestos materials were identified during the survey.

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Recommendations

The following recommendations were provided to support safe ongoing management:

• Asbestos Register:
  All confirmed and presumed ACMs were recorded within an asbestos register with details of location, condition, and material type.
• Management in Situ:
  Identified ACMs can remain in place and be safely managed, provided they are not disturbed and their condition is monitored periodically.
• Contractor Communication:
  Any contractors carrying out maintenance or repair works must be informed of the presence and locations of ACMs prior to starting work.
• Future Works:
  Should intrusive works be planned in the future, a refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey will be required in the affected areas before works commence.

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Outcome

The asbestos management survey provided the homeowner with a clear overview of asbestos risks linked to later building materials, while confirming that traditional elements such as the thatched roof do not present an asbestos risk. With appropriate management measures in place, the identified ACMs can be safely controlled, ensuring continued compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and reducing the risk of accidental disturbance.