Commercial Asbestos Refurbishment Survey | West Horndon, Essex

Commercial Asbestos Refurbishment Survey – Chelmsford, Essex

Date: 02/02/25
Location: Chelmsford, Essex

Project Overview

Our team recently conducted a Commercial Asbestos Refurbishment Survey at a property in West Horndon, Essex. This survey was essential to ensure the planned refurbishment works could proceed safely and in full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, identifying any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during construction activities.

The property was scheduled for major refurbishment works, including structural alterations, upgrades to utilities, and the replacement of flooring and ceilings. Given the building’s construction period, it was highly likely that asbestos materials had been used. To prevent any risk of asbestos exposure to contractors and occupants, a comprehensive asbestos refurbishment survey was required before any work commenced.

Survey Process

Our qualified asbestos surveyors conducted an intrusive inspection, accessing areas where asbestos could be hidden within the structure. Various samples were taken for analysis, focusing on materials known to commonly contain asbestos in older commercial buildings. These included:

• Cement Roof Panels & Rainwater Goods – Asbestos cement is often used in external roofing and drainage systems.
• Textured Coatings (Ceilings & Walls) – Artex and similar coatings frequently contain asbestos fibres.
• Floor Tiles & Linoleum Coverings – Different types of flooring materials were tested, as asbestos was commonly used in vinyl tiles and adhesives.
• Gaskets to Pipework – Older pipe systems often used asbestos gaskets for heat resistance.
• Insulating Board Panels – These were frequently used for fireproofing and partition walls in commercial buildings.

All collected samples were sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis to confirm asbestos content.

Findings & Risk Assessment

The laboratory results confirmed that asbestos was present in several key areas:

• Cement Roof Panels & Rainwater Goods contained asbestos but were in good condition, posing a low risk unless disturbed.
• Textured Coatings tested positive for asbestos, requiring careful removal before refurbishment.
• Vinyl Floor Tiles & Linoleum Coverings contained asbestos, meaning controlled removal would be needed before replacing the flooring.
• Gaskets to Pipework contained asbestos fibres, necessitating careful handling and replacement.
• Insulating Board Panels were found in multiple areas and required licensed removal due to their higher risk of fibre release when disturbed.

Recommendations & Next Steps

Upon completion of the survey, we provided the client with a detailed asbestos refurbishment report, including:

• ACM Locations & Condition – A mapped-out breakdown of all identified asbestos materials.
• Risk Assessments – Evaluations of the likelihood of fibre release during the refurbishment works.
• Action Plan – Clear recommendations for the safe removal or management of ACMs, ensuring compliance with regulations before refurbishment begins.

Due to the presence of high-risk materials such as insulating board panels, the client was advised to engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor to safely remove these materials before refurbishment work commenced.

Supporting Safe Refurbishments in West Horndon

This project demonstrates the importance of conducting a thorough asbestos refurbishment survey before undertaking renovation or structural changes in commercial properties. By identifying and addressing asbestos risks early, businesses can ensure safe working conditions and remain compliant with UK asbestos legislation.