Retail refurbishment often moves quickly, but asbestos information needs to be considered before contractors disturb older building materials. Whether the project involves a high-street shop, shopping-centre unit, restaurant, salon or other retail premises in London, the survey scope should follow the work being planned.
Why retail refurbishment needs project-specific asbestos information
A previous asbestos management survey may support normal occupation and routine maintenance, but it may not have investigated concealed materials that a refurbishment will disturb. Before intrusive work, review the existing asbestos information against the actual fit-out or refurbishment scope.
For a broader commissioning process, use our commercial refurbishment asbestos checklist.
Retail areas that may be disturbed
Typical projects can involve suspended ceilings, partitions, floor finishes, service risers, back-of-house areas, old heating systems, electrical routes, shopfronts and fire-protection materials. The relevant survey should cover the areas and materials affected by the proposed works, including concealed spaces where access is reasonably required for the project.
Check the existing survey before relying on it
Review the asbestos register and previous reports for exclusions, no-access areas, presumed materials and limitations. Also check whether the survey actually covered the individual retail unit rather than only landlord-controlled common parts.
Management survey or refurbishment survey?
An asbestos management survey is designed primarily to help manage asbestos during normal occupation. If refurbishment will disturb the building fabric, the affected area may require a more intrusive refurbishment and demolition survey appropriate to the planned work.
Information to provide when commissioning
- Property address and retail-unit location.
- Scope of works or contractor specification.
- Plans showing affected areas where available.
- Existing asbestos reports and register.
- Known access restrictions and landlord requirements.
- Proposed programme and site-access arrangements.
Landlord and tenant interfaces
Retail projects often involve information held by more than one party. The landlord may hold asbestos information for the building or common areas while the tenant controls the fit-out. Make sure the project team understands what has and has not been surveyed. Existing information should not be assumed to cover concealed materials affected by new intrusive work.
Before contractors start
Compare the completed survey with the final work scope. Relevant findings and limitations should be communicated to the people planning and carrying out the work. If asbestos-containing material will be disturbed, suitable controls must be decided before that activity proceeds.
Planning retail refurbishment in London?
Asbestos London Survey handles survey enquiries across Greater London. Tell us what type of retail premises you have and what the refurbishment will disturb so the survey requirement can be considered around the project.