Asbestos Surveys & Testing in Greenwich
If you own, manage, renovate, or buy a property in Greenwich, arranging the right asbestos survey is one of the most important steps you can take to protect people, keep projects on track, and stay compliant. Many homes, flats, schools, offices, shops, and industrial units across South East London were built or refurbished during the decades when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used. Because asbestos is typically hidden within building fabric—such as textured coatings, insulation, floor tiles, cement sheets, and service ducts—it can remain unnoticed until disturbed by maintenance or building work.
At 247 Asbestos Services, we carry out asbestos surveys and asbestos testing in Greenwich to help property owners and duty holders identify ACMs, understand risk, and make confident decisions. Whether you need a survey for ongoing management, a refurbishment project, or a demolition plan, a professional report gives you the clarity required to proceed safely.
Why asbestos surveys matter in Greenwich
Greenwich includes a wide mix of property types—from Victorian terraces and 1930s housing to post-war estates and commercial buildings. Asbestos may be present in buildings constructed or altered before the UK asbestos ban, and it often appears in places you wouldn’t expect. The risk is not the mere presence of asbestos, but disturbing it. When ACMs are damaged, drilled, sanded, or broken, asbestos fibres can be released into the air. Inhalation over time is associated with serious diseases, which is why careful identification and management are essential.
A proper asbestos survey can prevent:
- Unexpected project delays when asbestos is discovered mid-refurbishment
- Costly variations due to emergency testing, removal, or extra controls
- Health and safety incidents for occupants, contractors, and the public
- Compliance issues under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012)
Asbestos survey types: which one do you need?
The right survey depends on what you plan to do with the building. In simple terms: if you’re managing a property, you’ll usually need a management survey; if you’re changing the building, you’ll typically need a refurbishment/demolition survey.
1) Asbestos Management Survey
A management survey is designed to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy, routine maintenance, or minor works. This is the most common survey for:
- Landlords and managing agents
- Commercial property owners and facilities teams
- Schools, nurseries, and public buildings
- Offices, retail units, and communal areas
The report typically includes material assessments, photographs where relevant, recommended actions, and priorities to support an asbestos management plan.
2) Refurbishment & Demolition Survey (R&D Survey)
If you’re planning refurbishment, strip-out, rewiring, a kitchen/bathroom refit, boiler replacement involving intrusive access, or demolition, you usually need an R&D survey. This is more intrusive and aims to find ACMs in areas affected by the works—behind walls, above ceilings, within risers, under floors, and inside building voids.
In Greenwich, we commonly see R&D surveys requested for projects around: Greenwich Peninsula, North Greenwich, Maze Hill, Blackheath edge, Charlton, Woolwich border areas, and mixed-use developments where older structures sit alongside newer builds.
Asbestos sampling and testing: how it works
Asbestos testing involves taking small samples of suspect materials and sending them for laboratory analysis. During a survey, samples may be collected from materials such as textured coatings (e.g., artex), vinyl floor tiles, pipe insulation, cement sheets, and soffits. The aim is to confirm whether asbestos is present and, if so, identify the type and condition.
A professional approach matters because sampling must be carried out safely and methodically. We follow controlled techniques to minimise fibre release and provide clear results in a format you can act on—whether that means leaving ACMs in place under a management plan, encapsulating, or arranging removal by appropriately licensed contractors (where required).
When should you book an asbestos survey in Greenwich?
You should consider booking a survey if:
- You’re buying a property built or refurbished before the asbestos ban and want peace of mind
- You’re a landlord and need to understand risks in communal areas or rental stock
- You’re planning refurbishment, reconfiguration, or demolition
- You manage a commercial building and need compliant documentation for contractors and audits
- You’ve found a suspicious material (boards, insulation, coatings, tiles) and need confirmation
What you’ll get: clear reporting that supports decisions
A good survey report should be more than a list—it should help you make practical decisions. Our reporting is designed to be easy to understand, with clear identification of materials, locations, condition notes, and recommended next steps. For commercial duty holders, the report supports ongoing compliance and helps you brief maintenance teams and contractors correctly.
Local, fast turnaround for Greenwich property owners
In a busy area like Greenwich, delays can be expensive—especially when contractors are booked, tenants are waiting, or deadlines are tight. We aim to make the process straightforward: book a visit, complete the inspection/sampling, and receive your results and documentation promptly so you can move forward safely.
Book an asbestos survey or testing in Greenwich
If you need an asbestos management survey, an R&D survey, or asbestos sampling and testing in Greenwich, contact 247 Asbestos Services via 247asbestosservices.net. We’ll help you choose the correct survey type for your property and ensure you have compliant documentation for your next steps.
Tip: If you’re planning building work, book the asbestos survey early—before quotes are finalised and schedules are set. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid surprise costs and keep your project running smoothly.
To get a quote or discuss your project, call us today on 0330 097 3369 or fill in the enquiry form on our website. We’ll help you identify the right survey and arrange a convenient appointment.
Protect your property, your workforce and your project with expert asbestos surveys and testing from 247 Asbestos Services.