Complex Asbestos Removal Project – Grange Farm Estate, Harrow
Amiante has successfully completed a highly complex asbestos removal project at the Grange Farm Estate in Harrow. The project included for the demolition and enabling works for the council, working alongside the R Collard demolition and enabling teams.
During the initial planned removals of the non-licensed materials and notifiable AIB fire breaks to the internal risers, suspect material was seen within the structural timber fabric of the building. On receipt of a positive result from laboratory testing of the material, it was found to be asbestos insulating board.
Scope of Works
The project involved:
- The removal Asbestos Cement panels behind fiberglass exterior wall cladding, the asbestos cement panels are on the ground, first and second floor. (214 panels per block total 1070) approximately 500sqm per block
- The removal of Asbestos containing VFTs and Bitumen to the ground floor flats to each block. The VFTs are located beneath timber flooring at an extent of approximately 80m2 per flat.
- The removal Asbestos Cement flue pipe in riser from the Kitchen areas. Each block contains approximately 90lm of flue pipes.
- Removal of AIB fire breaks located between the flats within the timber structure. A total of 50lm has been identified per block over three floors.
- Construction of multiple asbestos enclosures to all floors.
- Removal of all asbestos and correct disposal of generated waste via an enclosed skip which was delivered to a licensed land fill site.
- Personal monitoring of operatives inside and outside of the enclosure to confirm control measures to be adequate.
- Havs Monitoring due to the requirement of utilising a reciprocating saw to cut out pipework.
- Removal of the structural columns and beams as whole units, disposed of by open top 20yd rubble skips, lined and packaged with 1000gauge polythene sheeting.
- Variation Scope of Works
- The removal of AIB packers, firebreaks and fillet panels from within the structural columns and beams under local conditions during demolition, under notification to the HSE.
Controlled Works & Methodology
The project required:
- Multiple enclosures through the flats to all blocks to remove the AIB firebreaks
- Multiple respirator zones to complete the removal of the floor tiles, bitumen and artex ceilings
A range of specialist removal techniques were utilised, including:
- Opening up of the structural beams and columns prior to demolition, to encapsulate the AIB packers and fillet panels within
- Careful demolition working with the asbestos and demolition teams to safely remove the encapsulated beams and columns
Air Management & Independent Monitoring
With both contractors, including Amiante STR and Collard Group, operating on site during the asbestos removal works, background and personal air monitoring protocols were implemented.
An independent UKAS-accredited analyst carried out:
- Background air monitoring
- Personal monitoring
- 4-stage clearance procedures to all enclosures
This ensured enclosure integrity was maintained at all times and demonstrated full and safe removal of the structural beams and columns.
This project highlights Amiante’s ability to deliver technically demanding asbestos removal schemes safely, compliantly, and on programme — even within complex, multi-contractor involvement.