Connell Brothers Limited were awarded the contract to demolish the former Oakite Facility in Retford. The project was conducted on behalf of Degussa Limited. The URS Corporation acting as project Managers. The redundant factory had been used to manufacture chemical cleaning products. The contract presented Connell Brothers with numerous challenges such as working in the vicinity of an operational rail line and on a live industrial business park which necessitated careful planning prior to commencement. Close liaison took place with representatives from Railtrack and adjacent land owners to ensure that the works had minimal impact on them.

With all preparatory measures in place the demolition began in earnest. Highly trained operatives conducted the removal of notifiable asbestos materials which was completed in line with current legislation in controlled conditions.

The main challenge of the project however was the high level of contamination found within the structure created as a direct result of the manufacturing process. This was in the form of hexavalent chromium contaminated brickwork. (Areas of contamination seen below).

Prior to commencement Connell Brothers and URS closely surveyed the areas of contamination which would require implementation of strict control and removal measures. Health and Safety was a vital part of the works particularly personal PPE and the requirement for dust monitoring. Operatives had to wear DM112X respirators with P3 Filters in order to protect against exposure to the dust. Further precautions were taken in the form of background air monitoring for total inhalable, and total respirable dust content. The monitoring took place at numerous positions across the site both prior and during the works.

The mechanical demolition of the non contaminated sections of the structure was conducted by a hydraulic excavator equipped with a specialist attachment. All contaminated brick, mortar, concrete and soil was segregated from all other arisings and disposed of separately at a suitably licensed facility. There was also a strong emphasis on dust suppression throughout the contract to minimise dust levels. Control measures were also implemented to prevent leachate discharging to site drains.

Contamination was not the only problem Connell Brothers were faced with during the project, there was also a high level of Asbestos throughout the building which was removed carefully in line with all current legislative requirements. Operatives can be seen in the photo to the right working from a scaffold platform stripping Asbestos Cement Sheets equipped with disposable overalls, hard hats, harnesses, gloves, boots and the necessary respiratory equipment.

The Connell Management team called for regular Safety Audits of the site, weekly Tool Box Talks with regards to safety, regular Method Statement Induction courses for all Operatives on site, regular Progress and Safety Meetings with URS site representative. Regular auditing was undertaken to ensure that the Project Management procedures were followed. The 8 week Project was completed on time to the client’s full satisfaction with no injuries, accidents, or incident to members of staff or the public, thus allowing Connell Brothers to continue there exemplary record in Health and Safety.