Asbestos in Soils & Demolition Materials
An increasingly common legacy of former industrial sites is the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) deposited or dispersed within made ground, resulting in asbestos contaminated soils (ACS) present in the ground.
This issue is typically enhanced by poorly controlled demolition practices, resulting in ACM fragments becoming spread across the site surface and/or throughout crushed materials. The presence of ACM’s and ACS can result in significant potential liabilities, programme delays and escalating costs for landowners and developers.
Soilfix has significant experience in adopting pragmatic, robust yet cost-effective solutions for asbestos contaminated sites, fully in compliance with the relevant waste management legislation and Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. Through accurate planning of pre-treatment and materials management requirements, the volumes of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes removed off-site can be minimised.
Works are carried out by either Soilfix appropriately trained staff under a Notifiable Non-Licensable Works (NNLW) Notification, or, where higher risk ACM’s are encountered, carried out using a licensed Asbestos Contractor. The following cost effective and sustainable remedial measures are routinely carried out by Soilfix:
- Selective excavation, sorting and in-situ manual picking of ACM fragments;
- Manual picking and screening of ACM fragments, in an enclosed picking station for higher quantities of material;
- Stabilisation and / or encapsulation of ACS to minimise the extent for residual fibre release;
- Stringent environmental monitoring and controls, including fine-mist (virtual enclosure) suppression systems, reassurance air testing and scanning electron microscopy analysis to confirm airborne fibre concentrations are below HSE control limits as well as environmental background levels.
To guarantee compliance with CAR2012, all Soilfix employees who operate with asbestos are trained in Non-licensed/Notifiable non-licenced work are fully qualified, have routine medical exams, and have their respirator face-fitted.
For more information about asbestos removal in soil and demolition materials in Slough and the surrounding areas, get in touch with a member of our expert team today.