A high profile asbestos removal project for an historic building

Saltdean Lido is a prestigious historical attraction on the Sussex coast. As part of its restoration, Saltdean Lido CIC asked Amstech to remove all asbestos from this significant Grade 2 listed building.

We proudly accepted this task, not only as a chance to preserve our local architectural heritage, but taking seriously our duty to protect the construction workers of our community, and the swimmers and other users of the lido.

Background
Client: Saltdean Lido
Location: Saltdean, East Sussex
Duration: 90 days
Services
Asbestos removal

Thorough process and preparation

With a project of this importance, the tender process is extensive. We met on site with our client several times, discussing details, explaining the asbestos removal process and demonstrating our ability to complete the works within the required time frame of October to December 2021. We ensured every aspect of our approach met the high standards appropriate to the project.

An extensive plan with multiple tasks

The required tasks were numerous, involving removal of the following:

  • Asbestos insulation board (AIB) ceilings (130m2) in the ground floor community rooms and garage
  • Asbestos thermal insulation from pipework (300 linear metres) and asbestos residue in the boiler room (300m2)
  • Textured coating containing asbestos from walls and ceilings (124m2), floor tile and bitumen adhesive containing asbestos (116m2) throughout the former ballroom.
  • Textured coating containing asbestos from walls and ceilings (205m2) in the ground floor community area.
  • Asbestos-containing cement window sills (8 metres) in the ground floor library.

All asbestos was to be removed under full asbestos fibre-controlled conditions in compliance with The Control of Asbestos at Work legislation 2012.

Careful management of key issues

With an extensive list of tasks, and a defined time span, our work had to be thorough, well-planned and highly organised.

The various works  were carefully prioritised – not only to ensure efficiency and safety, but to ensure a smooth transition for other trades to begin their important role within the lido’s restoration.

Resources had to be carefully calculated, determining the levels of labour and plant required to complete each phase of the work in the required timeframe.

Transit and waste routes were identified and secured – an important part of ensuring a thorough and compliant process.

A visible high-profile site like Saltdean Lido calls for an appropriate approach to security, so robust processes were put in place to maintain the integrity of the site.

Transparency and communication

We shared our management structure – both on site and office-based – with our client, together with emergency and key personnel phone numbers.

Once the project was underway, we maintained constant contact and close communication with our own site team and the management of Saltdean Lido.

In addition to daily communications, weekly site audits were carried out by our contracts manager to ensure work was being carried out as planned and in a safe manner. Monthly client meetings further ensured full transparency and sharing of information.

Innovations at Saltdean Lido to benefit our future projects

We made the most of online communication tools, using cloud-based systems to share progress updates and photos between our site team, our office and our client. This boosted clarity, saved time and provided accountability.

Safety is everything

Amstech exists in order to control risk, reduce danger and protect health. So with this project – as with all our work – we assign paramount importance to the processes and practices that guide what we do.

All employees are trained by the Asbestos Removal Contractors’ Association. This is complimented by onsite training by senior members of staff. Amstech follows the Control of Asbestos Regulations by sending all of ur employees on annual refresher courses. This rigorous training is vital.

The site was supervised by an experienced and trained supervisor, each crew had a trained first aider and details of nearby hospital A&E provision were central to our preparation. Daily ‘tool box talks’ are given by our site supervisor regarding the work planned for that day.

Our sites are regularly audited by our own contracts managers and the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association, paying particular attention to safe working practices.

On completion of our work the area was not opened up for general use until an air test had been carried out by an independent UKAS-accredited analytical company. This air test confirmed the air was safe to breathe.

As we began the restoration of Saltdean Lido, a Grade II* listed building, we tried to use local businesses wherever possible. Amstech provided a good service and were professional and efficient, always taking care to preserve the integrity of the building. The project is a large and complex one and Amstech were undaunted by what was required of them and completed the works within the time frames promised, keeping us updated along the way.
Derek Leaver
Chairman - Saltdean Lido Trust

A successful project for Amstech and for Saltdean Lido CIC

  • The project was completed in the required time frame and programme.
  • The project was completed on budget
  • Audits demonstrated that the project was completed in a safe manner
  • The project was completed without any H&S accidents or incidents.

Image credit licensed to diamond geezer