Project Review: Commercial Asbestos Management Survey – Harlow, Essex
Property Type: Two-Storey Commercial Warehouse
Survey Type: Asbestos Management Survey
Date of Survey: 05/03/2025
Project Overview
We recently conducted a Commercial Asbestos Management Survey at a busy commercial property in Harlow, Essex. This survey was essential to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, helping the property owner and management team identify and safely manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the building.
The commercial unit was constructed during a period when asbestos was widely used in building materials. As the property continues to be actively used by staff and customers, the survey was undertaken to assess the condition of any ACMs and ensure a proper asbestos management plan was in place. Identifying asbestos early prevents unintentional disturbance and helps keep the premises safe for all occupants.
Survey Process
Our qualified asbestos surveyors carried out a non-intrusive inspection of all accessible areas within the building. As part of this process, samples were taken from key materials known to potentially contain asbestos, including:
- Cement Roof Sheets – Often found in older commercial buildings, asbestos cement sheets were used in roofing due to their durability and fire-resistant properties.
- Floor Tiles – Many older vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles contain asbestos fibres within the tile or adhesive backing.
- Textured Coatings – Historically applied to walls and ceilings, coatings such as Artex often contain asbestos for added strength and fire resistance.
All samples were then sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis, ensuring accurate identification of any asbestos fibres.
Survey Findings & Risk Assessment
The results confirmed that asbestos was present in multiple areas:
- Cement Roof Sheets contained asbestos fibres but were in good condition, posing minimal risk as long as they remained undisturbed.
- Floor Tiles tested positive for asbestos, with some minor signs of wear, meaning careful monitoring and safe maintenance procedures were recommended.
- Textured Coatings were found to contain low levels of asbestos but were intact and not at immediate risk of releasing fibres.
Recommendations & Next Steps
After completing the survey, we provided the client with a detailed asbestos management report, which included:
- ACM Locations & Conditions – A full breakdown of all identified asbestos materials, including photographic documentation.
- Risk Analysis – A comprehensive assessment of the potential hazards posed by each ACM.
- Asbestos Management Plan – A structured approach to safely managing ACMs in accordance with UK asbestos regulations, including regular inspections and safe working guidelines for maintenance teams.
As no immediate removal was necessary, the client was advised to implement an asbestos monitoring schedule to ensure the ACMs remained in a stable condition. Should any future refurbishment or maintenance work be planned, professional asbestos removal or encapsulation procedures would be required for affected materials.
Helping Businesses in Harlow Stay Asbestos-Compliant
This project highlights the importance of proactive asbestos management in commercial properties. By conducting a professional asbestos management survey, businesses in Harlow and the wider Essex area can ensure their workplace remains safe and fully compliant with UK health and safety regulations.
Need an Asbestos Management Survey in Harlow?
If you manage or own a commercial property in Harlow or Essex, ensuring the safe management of asbestos is essential. Our experienced team offers professional and comprehensive asbestos surveys tailored to your needs. You can contact us at 01375800617 or info@asbestos-surveys-essex.co.uk, or fill out our online form. Let us help ensure your project is safe, compliant, and worry-free.
