Project Overview
A specialised asbestos removal operation was undertaken at St Luke’s Hospital and Medical School, a significant project that involved the meticulous soft stripping, safe removal, and treatment of asbestos across an extensive area of over 60,000 square metres. This expansive project covered various critical and sensitive areas of the hospital, including operating theatres, plant rooms, and wards, addressing the inherent risks associated with asbestos in an active healthcare environment.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the project were as follows:
- To ensure the safe and comprehensive removal of all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from the hospital premises to prevent any health hazards to patients, staff, and visitors.
- To conduct the removal process with minimal disruption to the hospital’s day-to-day operations, especially in critical areas like operating theatres and wards.
- To comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, ensuring the highest standards of asbestos removal and disposal.
Challenges
- Sensitive Environment: Working within an active hospital required stringent controls to prevent contamination and ensure the safety and health of hospital occupants.
- Complexity and Scope: The project’s extensive scope, covering over 60,000 square metres and multiple types of environments, presented logistical and operational challenges.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to strict health and safety regulations for asbestos removal and disposal, particularly in an environment with vulnerable individuals.
Approach and Execution
- Soft Stripping
The project commenced with a comprehensive soft stripping of the identified areas. This meticulous process involved the careful removal of non-structural elements like ceilings, floor coverings, and partition walls to expose the asbestos materials without disturbing them.
- Asbestos Removal
Following the soft stripping, the team proceeded with the asbestos removal process. Given the project’s scale, the removal was conducted in phases, prioritising areas based on risk assessment and hospital operations. The team employed various safety measures, including air filtration systems, sealed containment areas, and personal protective equipment (PPE), to ensure a controlled and safe removal process.
- Waste Handling and Disposal
Approximately 1,400 tonnes of asbestos waste were safely removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental and health regulations. The waste was securely transported to designated hazardous waste facilities for proper treatment and disposal, minimising environmental impact.
- Continuous Monitoring and Communication
Throughout the project, continuous air quality monitoring was conducted to ensure the safety of the hospital environment. Regular updates and coordination with hospital management ensured that the project did not disrupt the hospital’s critical services.
Outcomes
- Safety: The project was completed without any health and safety incidents, thanks to the rigorous safety measures and protocols implemented.
- Compliance: Full compliance with health and safety regulations was achieved, ensuring the safe removal and disposal of all asbestos materials.
- Minimal Disruption: The phased approach and careful planning allowed the hospital to continue its operations without significant interruptions, even in highly sensitive areas.
- Environmental Responsibility: The careful handling and disposal of asbestos waste demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
Conclusion
The asbestos removal project at St Luke’s Hospital and Medical School stands as a testament to the feasibility of conducting extensive asbestos remediation in highly sensitive and operational environments. Through careful planning, stringent safety measures, and effective communication, the project successfully mitigated the health risks associated with asbestos without impeding the vital services provided by the hospital. This case study exemplifies best practices in asbestos removal and serves as a valuable reference for similar projects in the future.