Asbestos Management Solutions
East and Wests Precincts is a dilapidated retail and commercial unit built in the 1960s. Due to plans to demolish this building, the client required a comprehensive demolition survey to specify the required safe removal works.
In October 2015, we carried out the demolition survey so the client could procure the asbestos removal works.
In this case study, we discuss the project details. Learn about the challenges we faced and how we overcame them…
A public eyesore, East and Wests precincts were to be demolished as part of a regeneration project by Stoke-on-Trent City council – who purchased the buildings and site from the current owners – as it is a legal requirement to carry out an asbestos survey and remove the asbestos before any demolition work.
With a city-central position, safety was paramount to ensure the health and wellbeing of the public.
The brief was to complete a demolition asbestos survey across the whole site.
We had to find all the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the area – as far as reasonably practical.
As necessary, we gained access to all areas – including those that were difficult to reach such as the high level external locations and internal suspended ceiling voids.
Following the survey, we produced an asbestos removal specification which the client used to procure the removal of the asbestos identified in the surveys. This included large-scale asbestos insulating board and asbestos sprayed coating installations.
Not a lot of companies will take this type of survey work on due to the liabilities involved. However, we are well aware of them – and can confidently work in the safest way possible.
Buildings that had been unoccupied for many years created a difficult working environment. The team had to be extra vigilant due to fire damage, water ingress, graffiti and homelessness (dangerous materials etc). Furthermore, the key fabric of the building was open to the elements. We came across a lot of damaged (disturbed) asbestos but our team were fully protected, wearing RPE and PPE.
As we progressed through the survey, we realised some elements were so unsafe we would have to return and survey at a later date, alongside the demolition contractor as the demolishment works commenced.
After we completed the survey, the client was in the position to procure the safe removal of asbestos identified on site using our survey reports and the specification document.
When demolishing a building, you must ensure asbestos identification and removal is carried out in accordance with ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’. It not only protects the safety of the public, but it is the law.
Westland Environmental Safety has worked on various demolition projects to ensure the comprehensive identification of asbestos risks – so that contractors can be appointed to follow a clear asbestos removal specification.
Not only do we ensure all asbestos removal is strictly conducted in accordance with CAR 2012 and supported HSE guidance documents, but we ensure that we complete projects within our clients’ timescales and other demands.
For more information on our asbestos consultancy and management services, contact us on: info@westlandes.co.uk or call us 01782 624642 to discuss your specific requirements in more detail.