Case Study: Asbestos Removal in the Food Production Sector

Project Overview

Bardon Environmental was contracted to perform asbestos abatement services in a live food production facility as part of an extensive maintenance project. Working within a fully operational environment, our team was tasked with removing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from a targeted area within the plant, ensuring uninterrupted production operations.

Scope of Work

This project involved removing asbestos insulating board (AIB) packers and rope seals around the plant’s oven framework, along with other asbestos-contaminated materials. Strict health and safety standards were upheld, and our team conducted the work in a sealed, controlled enclosure to protect the production environment from any exposure.

Key tasks included:

• Removal of AIB Packers: Located around the H-shaped oven framework, these packers were carefully extracted by hand or with the aid of scaffold towers.
• Rope Seal Removal: Using hand tools, rope seals embedded in the oven’s inner components were carefully removed.
• Controlled Conditions: The team operated within a single-sealed enclosure with dedicated airlock and bag lock systems, complete with CCTV monitoring to maintain visibility and control.

Methodology and Safety Measures

Due to the operational nature of the site, significant precautions were taken to minimise disruption. The enclosure was equipped with industrial-grade air filtration, using multiple NPUs to maintain negative pressure and airflow. Access was provided by a licensed scaffold company, which installed a scaffold platform around the oven with vision panels for visibility and remote monitoring.

The process involved:

• Controlled Access: Scaffold towers were set up to access hard-to-reach areas, and specialized PPE was provided for personnel, including hairnets and overcoats to meet site hygiene standards.
• Equipment Setup: Air filters and bag lock systems were installed to support dust control and waste removal, while enclosed waste skips ensured safe asbestos disposal.

Project Outcomes

The project was completed within the scheduled four weeks, achieving all clearance and safety standards. A third-party environmental consultant conducted personal and air quality monitoring throughout the project, followed by a final 4-stage clearance, confirming the safe removal of all identified asbestos materials.

This case highlights Bardon Environmental’s expertise in working within live, high-stakes environments like food production facilities, where stringent hygiene and operational continuity are paramount.

For more information on Bardon Environmental’s food production sector services, please contact us at [email protected]