Removal of Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) tiles in Hartlepool
Opus Building Services were carrying out a refurbishment in the kitchen of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Hartlepool. They discovered the ceiling tiles were an Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) so got in touch with us to remove it from the premises.
Following a site meeting with one of Opus’s representatives, a plan was put in place to carry out the safe and efficient removal of the asbestos during the school holidays, to allow the main contractor to carry out the refurbishment work safely.
The kitchen area itself formed the enclosure. It was sealed using 1000-gauge polythene, staples, PLC tape, polystyrene slabs and expanding foam.
A 3-stage airlock and baglock were constructed at the entrance of the enclosure using Speedtent.
A Negative Pressure Unit (NPU) was installed as required. An NPU is used to ventilate the enclosure and remove dangerous asbestos fibres from the exhaust air. NPUs are fitted with high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) class filters that capture the finest and most hazardous of particles. The negative pressure created by the NPU minimises the spread of dust and improves the work environment.
Following a satisfactory smoke test, the asbestos removal works commenced within the enclosure.
An independent analytical company was appointed by the main contractor to carry out daily air monitoring. Air monitoring is essential for ensuring the safety of everyone involved, complying with regulations, verifying the effectiveness of asbestos removal and providing transparency and reassurance to everyone working nearby.
Upon completion of the work and a satisfactory air test, the kitchen was handed over to the client. This enabled them to carry out the refurbishment work in a timely manner.