Case Studies
Asbestos: IOM’s rapid, professional service saves client £100,000
Asbestos removal can be a key preliminary to refurbishing a building. In the retail sector, it is particularly important that this is done promptly and effectively. When the project manager of a large retail group contacted IOM, he had serious problems. The principal contractor was on site and had discovered sprayed asbestos in ceiling voids that had not been accessed by asbestos consultants. Consultants were called in again, took three samples and deemed that two entire floors were contaminated. Store disruption and costs were threatening to take off.
IOM was called in at this stage. We immediately undertook a detailed inspection of the areas concerned and this revealed that the sprayed asbestos was in fact limited to one part of one floor. Our report was used to provide a full scope of works on which accurate tenders were based. IOM remained on site to undertake the health and safety supervision during the asbestos removal (undertaken on night shifts). The end result was the safe removal of the asbestos, a minimum of disruption to the store and a happy client who had saved £100,000 on remedial work alone.
Health, Safety and Environment – IOM completes major contract
IOM has recently successfully completed a major contract providing the health, safety and environmental management during the demolition of one of Europe’s largest semiconductor plants.
The main part of the first stage of our work was an assessment of the residual contamination in tanks, in equipment and in the hundreds of miles of pipes, ducts and drains. We systematically inspected each item and this resulted in the collection of about 500 samples which we analysed for a wide range of inorganic and organic chemicals in our UKAS Accredited laboratories. This work facilitated the safe decontamination and dismantling of plant and the proper disposal of chemical contaminants.
We provided practical help throughout the contract, developing and supervising safe working methods and assisting with and approving a wide range of risk assessments from the many contractors on site. We undertook occupational hygiene monitoring for noise, vibration, dusts and chemicals, assisted with control measures and, where appropriate, provided occupational health advice. Our work did not stop at the workplace. We monitored water and ground conditions throughout the contract and measured perimeter noise and dust levels.
We were part of a strong, proactive project team working for a committed client and very few issues arose during the year-long contract. The few that did crop up were dealt with promptly and effectively.