The Chocolate Factory, originally built in the 1880s, holds a rich history as the birthplace of many beloved penny sweets such as Milk Bottles, Black Jacks, and Dip Dabs. This iconic structure, like many buildings from its era, was constructed using materials that contained asbestos. At the time, the health risks of asbestos were not widely recognised, and its durability and insulating properties made it a common choice in construction.
Site Overview and Project Scope
KCS Group Ltd was awarded the project by lead contractor Pexhurst to safely manage and remove asbestos from the site. Given the historical significance of the Chocolate Factory, it was crucial to ensure that all contaminated materials were handled with the utmost care and precision.
Challenges
As with any building of this age, the presence of asbestos posed significant challenges. Asbestos was used extensively throughout the structure, and careful planning and execution were required to ensure the safety of both the workers and the surrounding environment. Our team needed to carry out a thorough assessment to identify all areas containing asbestos and develop a tailored plan for its removal.
Our Approach
KCS Group Ltd implemented a structured and compliant approach to manage the asbestos removal process. Our highly trained and certified professionals conducted a full asbestos survey, locating and assessing all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). With safety as our top priority, the team established strict safety protocols, including exclusion zones and controlled removal methods, to ensure the risk of exposure was minimised.
The removal process was executed with precision, and all contaminated materials were disposed of in compliance with current health and safety regulations. We worked closely with Pexhurst and other stakeholders to ensure that the project remained on schedule and that the Chocolate Factory could continue its redevelopment plans without delay.
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