Kitsons Environmental Europe Limited have developed integrated solutions for management and deconstruction of clasp and system buildings where asbestos containing materials were used in their build. This approach was used to provide fast and efficient buildings in a cost effective way in many public sector and educational environments where the lightweight steel frames required fire protection, particularly on ground floor locations. Commonly known as CLASP buildings, but other systems include SCOLA, MACE, ONWARD, SEAC, and contractor systems such as Vic Hallam, Laingspan and Hills.

However, these buildings in primary, secondary schools and in Higher Education are coming to the end of their life. Many authorities are looking to structural engineers to advise on the lifespan and condition of the building, particularly where segments of the building are moving. Asbestos surrounds the anchor points, fixings and supporting steel columns and Kitsons have assisted in enabling maintenance programmes to be delivered in compliance with current regulations.

Whilst working at a Scottish University, Kitsons have used special techniques to assist the deconstruction of CLASP buildings particularly where the building is in a confined area and where people are studying in adjacent buildings which are in relatively close proximity to the works. It is essential that the approach to works is closely managed in a safe manner and in accordance with current legislation.

Neil Ferguson, Kitsons, Regional Director said “As a packaged solution, scaffolding has been erected, designed to accommodate the dismantling at two levels, which has been covered with protective sheeting. This offers a number of benefits: to act as an enclosure, manage local dust dispersion from dismantling process in an operational educational facility, and also to remove the eyesore of the dismantling process whilst in progress to the public walking past the site.”

Ralph Livingston, Operations Manager, commented “Asbestos located on internal ceiling tiles and cladding on vertical framework is removed from the structure, enabling the roof to be removed in sections from the two story building. Removal of asbestos can take place from the horizontal cross-members, once the wooden cladding has been taken away, using the protective sheeting at the upper level to form part of the enclosure. Internal panels and windows can be dismantled safely. The process is applied to the lower floor, leaving the frame which is then taken apart at their original fixing points rather than demolished.

With the foundation slab removed, asbestos removal can take place from the services going into the structure, and contaminated soil removed for cleansing. The dismantling leaves a clear area, a tidy site for the next building to be constructed.

Kitsons are a leading multi-disciplinary contractor providing access, Insulation, asbestos and remediation solutions. Markets served include Nuclear, Power Generation, Petrochemical, Construction, Local Government, Retail, Finance, Defence and Property sectors. Trading from offices nationally, Kitsons are committed to delivering safe and quality services in accordance with our Suite of ISO 9001:2000, ISO14001 and ISO18001:2007 accreditations.

Kitsons are part of the Silverdell Plc Group of companies. The Silverdell Group provide managed solutions for asbestos, industrial, remediation and environmental services for large and small projects nationally. Working with partners in public, private, construction and industrial markets, we are committed to creating an improved environment in which to live and work.

Further information on Silverdell Plc can be found at www.silverdell.plc.uk