Commercial Asbestos Refurbishment Survey | Chelmsford, Essex

Commercial Asbestos Refurbishment Survey – Chelmsford, Essex

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

Project Overview

Our team recently carried out a Commercial Asbestos Refurbishment Survey at a prominent property on Writtle Road in Chelmsford, Essex. This survey was a vital step in ensuring the safety of the upcoming refurbishment works while maintaining full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

The property, a historic two-story commercial building, was preparing for significant internal and external renovations to modernise the premises while preserving its architectural character. Given the age of the building, constructed during a period when asbestos was frequently used in construction materials, a detailed asbestos survey was essential to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could be disturbed during the works.

Why The Survey Was Critical

Renovation projects on older commercial buildings can pose significant health and safety risks if asbestos is present and disturbed. The property owners prioritised this survey to protect workers and occupants while ensuring the refurbishment could proceed without unnecessary delays or hazards. Asbestos is commonly found in materials such as insulation boards, roofing products, and textured coatings, making this proactive measure a necessary step in planning the project.

Survey Process

Our licensed asbestos surveyors conducted an intrusive inspection, carefully examining all areas likely to be impacted by the refurbishment. The process included:

• Internal Areas: Detailed inspections of walls, ceilings, flooring, and other structural components in offices, storage areas, and communal spaces.
• External Elements: Assessments of roofing materials, gutters, and cladding, which are common locations for asbestos in older buildings.
• Utility Spaces: Examination of plant rooms, pipework, and ventilation systems, where asbestos lagging and insulation are frequently found.

We worked closely with the property management team to ensure minimal disruption during the survey.

Findings

The survey identified several asbestos-containing materials, including:

• Insulation Boards: Found in partition walls within office spaces.
• Cement Roofing Sheets: Located on parts of the building’s roof structure.
• Adhesive Materials: Confirmed in the fixings beneath older vinyl flooring in storage rooms.

All identified ACMs were documented, assessed for their condition, and included in a detailed risk analysis to ensure their safe management.

Outcome and Recommendations

Following the survey, we provided the client with a comprehensive report, outlining:

• ACM Locations and Conditions: A full inventory of the identified asbestos materials.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluations of potential risks during refurbishment activities.
• Action Plan: Clear recommendations for the safe removal of high-risk materials and strategies for managing lower-risk ACMs during the works.

This report provided the property owner with the necessary information to proceed with the refurbishment safely and in compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Supporting Chelmsford’s Commercial Sector

We are proud to support businesses in Chelmsford, Essex, with professional asbestos surveying services that prioritize safety and compliance. This project highlights the importance of addressing asbestos risks proactively, ensuring renovations are both safe and efficient.