Connell Brothers were commissioned to carry out the demolition of redundant buildings at U.K.A.E.A. (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority) at Harwell. The project works were executed under the NEC Form of Contract.

The works comprised of the asbestos removal and demolition of Buildings B361, B394 and B532, all of which were located within the Nuclear Licenced Site.

All operatives employed on this project had to obtain security clearance from U.K.A.E.A.C. (United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Police).

Throughout the works, Connell Brothers had to implement a strict regime of radiological monitoring in conjunction with the U.K.A.E.A. Appointed Health Physics Monitor. All demolition debris was monitored during the demolition stages prior to being despatched for further processing. Detailed method statements and risk assessments were submitted for each phase of the works for approval by U.K.A.E.A. and a permit to work system was implemented.

During the course of the works, the site was inspected by the Health & Safety Executive. The visiting inspector commended Connell Brothers’ safe approach to the work, the selection of appropriate plant and the standard of written Method Statements and Risk Assessments.

Building B394
The former electrical workshop, constructed from brick with asbestos sheeted roof supported on steel trusses. The building contained a basement equipped with a large degree of plant and underground ducts. The building footprint had an area of 1,350 square metres.

A strict regime of asbestos sheet removal and radiological monitoring was also implemented during this phase of the works.

Building B532
A 1960’s two-storey purpose built restaurant with a plan area of 2,600 square metres. The building comprised of a steel frame with block and curtain walling and a flat felt roof.

Internally, the building comprised of a large restaurant area with main and supplementary kitchens, function room and offices.

During the course of the stripping out works, additional asbestos material was discovered beneath the timber flooring in the restaurant area. This necessitated the entire area to be sealed off and asbestos materials removed under controlled conditions.

Building B361
The former transport unit was steel framed and corrugated asbestos clad with multi-pitch asbestos roofing. Constructed in the 1950’s, as the site vehicle maintenance facility, the building had a floor area of 6,600 square metres.

Small spots of radiological contamination had been identified on the roof and a method statement was developed to account for all asbestos sheeting to be removed whole for further radiological monitoring at ground level. Sheets which were monitored and designated as uncontaminated were removed under special waste regulations to a licenced tip facility. Sheeting classed as contaminated was removed to a separate quarantine area for further decontamination works.

Throughout the demolition of Building B361, protective measures were put in place to protect the 600mm diameter storm water sewer which ran the full length of the building. CCTV surveys were carried out on the drain prior to and after slab removal, with video tapes being issued to the U.K.A.E.A. Project Manager.

All demolition debris arising from the work was subjected to radiological monitoring prior to removal off site. The hardstandings and foundations were also subjected to monitoring and processed on site via the crushing plant, prior to being used as fill for voids.

The works were completed without injury any operatives or other site staff.

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