Asbestos Removal
Waste Collection & Disposal
Licensed asbestos removal at Otterburn Primary School, Northumberland
In 2025, Henderson Environmental was appointed by Northumberland County Council to carry out licensed asbestos removal and contaminated MMMF removal works at Otterburn Primary School & Nursery.
The project was awarded following an invitation to tender through Open, the cloud-based e-procurement portal developed by NEPO in partnership with North East local authorities.
The works involved the safe removal of residual asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), including pipe insulation debris and asbestos paper insulation, alongside the segregation and disposal of contaminated man-made mineral fibre (MMMF) insulation.
Due to the nature of the site, the project required a carefully managed approach that prioritised safety, compliance, and minimal disruption within the school environment.
The problem
Northumberland County Council required specialist remediation works after residual asbestos-containing materials and associated contamination were identified within loft voids and ceiling-mounted heating systems at Otterburn Primary School.
The primary concern centred around residual pipe insulation debris and asbestos paper insulation located within difficult-to-access loft spaces and around ageing Ray Rad ceiling-mounted radiators. These materials posed a potential risk of fibre release, particularly if disturbed during future maintenance or building works.
In addition to the asbestos-containing materials, contaminated MMMF insulation was also present throughout affected areas. This required careful segregation, handling, and disposal for the safety of contractors, school occupants, and future maintenance personnel.
To minimise disruption to students and staff, the was set to be carried out during the school holidays. This meant that our team had to carry out the removal process efficiently whilst still keeping safety and compliance front of mind.
Following the tender invitation, Henderson Environmental carried out a detailed site visit to assess the extent of contamination, site accessibility, and the condition of the affected materials before preparing a comprehensive project proposal.
The solution
Following the initial inspection, our team developed a tailored removal strategy designed to safely manage all identified asbestos-containing materials and contaminated insulation in full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
The proposed solution included the establishment of controlled work areas and suitable enclosures where required to safely isolate affected spaces.
Residual asbestos pipe insulation and associated debris were carefully removed from loft voids using controlled asbestos removal techniques, while asbestos paper insulation was removed from the Ray Rad ceiling-mounted heating units.
Alongside the asbestos removal works, contaminated MMMF insulation was segregated, removed, and disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
The project also involved detailed cleaning procedures, including the use of H-Class vacuuming equipment and fine cleaning techniques to make certain all affected areas were thoroughly decontaminated. Where required, air monitoring and reassurance testing were undertaken to verify that affected areas were safe for reoccupation.
Throughout the project, we implemented strict safety measures, including detailed plans of work, task-specific risk assessments, controlled access arrangements, and decontamination procedures. We also carried out all waste handling and disposal activities in line with current legislation and industry best practice.
One of the key challenges presented by this project was the restricted access within the loft spaces, combined with fragmented residual insulation debris spread across difficult-to-reach areas. The team overcame these challenges through pre-planning, site supervision, and the use of specialist asbestos removal equipment and techniques.
Ongoing communication with the client meant that the works progressed smoothly and in line with project expectations at every stage.
The result
The project was completed safely, compliantly, and to the satisfaction of Northumberland County Council. All identified asbestos-containing materials and contaminated insulation were successfully removed and disposed of in accordance with current legislation and industry best practice.
Through careful planning and controlled delivery, we made sure that risks associated with residual asbestos contamination were effectively managed while maintaining high safety standards throughout the works.
The successful completion of the project enabled the affected areas within Otterburn Primary School to be safely managed for continued occupation and future maintenance activities, providing the client with confidence that the environment had been professionally remediated and made safe for ongoing use.
Henderson Environmental works with schools, academies, colleges, universities, local authorities, and public sector organisations across the North East to deliver safe, compliant asbestos removal and environmental remediation services.
Whether you require planned asbestos removal, emergency response works, or specialist remediation services, our experienced team can provide a tailored solution to meet your requirements. If you need support, contact our team today to discuss your requirements.
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