Asbestos Demolition Survey | Epping, Essex

Project Overview:

We conducted an asbestos demolition survey for a detached bungalow in Epping, Essex. The survey was requested by the property owner as part of the preparation for a planned demolition of the building. The goal was to identify all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to ensure their safe removal before demolition work begins.

Scope of Work:

The demolition survey was more invasive than a standard management survey, requiring full access to all areas of the property. This included both the interior and exterior of the building, such as roof voids, cladding, ducting, and behind plastered walls. We performed intrusive investigations to expose any hidden ACMs that could pose a risk during demolition. Samples were taken from suspected asbestos materials, and testing was conducted in a laboratory to confirm their composition.

Findings:

The survey identified multiple areas containing asbestos, including:

• Asbestos cement cladding on external walls.
• Roof underlays and soffits containing asbestos fibres.
• Asbestos insulation materials in some pipework and around the boiler system.

These findings are typical for properties constructed in the mid-20th century, which often used asbestos-containing materials in both structural and decorative elements.

Recommendations:

Given the nature of the findings, we recommended the complete removal of all identified asbestos materials before the planned demolition. The removal process should be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor to ensure compliance with HSE regulations and safety standards. Once the asbestos has been safely removed, demolition work can proceed without the risk of asbestos exposure.

Conclusion:

The asbestos demolition survey provided the necessary information to ensure a safe and compliant demolition process. All identified ACMs were documented in a comprehensive report, and the client was advised on the next steps for asbestos removal. The client now has the assurance that the property can be safely dismantled without posing any health risks to workers or the surrounding environment.