Clarion Homes Ealing 20/03/20 - 29/7/20

Asbestos Removal & Demolition of 1960's flats

The Challenge

Clarion Housing and Wooldridge Eco Tec Ltd had to demolish these tired multi-storey blocks of brick and concrete flats to make way for new higher standard homes.

Following an Asbestos Survey (HSG264) the identified asbestos was being removed in advance, however, during the soft-strip concealed asbestos insulating board (AIB) was discovered above the internal and external brick wall cavities with most of these being load bearing walls. 

My Solution

Wayne Bagnall Ltd was engaged by the client Clarion Homes to undertake a review, visit the site, liaise with the demolition/asbestos contractor, Wooldridge to determine a safe way to remove this without increasing the risks to the site personnel and others potentially affected.

Following my review and having consulted with the regulators we agreed a controlled remote mechanical demolition removing the AIB so far as is reasonably practicable (SFARP) under a constant water mist, followed by pre-treatment (picking) to remove the AIB then loading out in sheeted trucks as difficult waste.

The Result

This method which was controlled, tested by reassurance air testing etc and stringent protocols to seperate personnel from machines etc was a complete success.

My/Our Comments

The best asbestos surveys undertaken by accreditted (UKAS ISO 17020 - Inspection) Surveyors cannot guaranttee to identify all the asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and therefore contractors MUST remain vigilent at all times for any suspect material and treat as an ACM until tested to confirm or not.