Managing Asbestos Risk During Re-Cladding Works
PCS was supporting a subcontractor appointed to undertake re-cladding works for a principal contractor on an occupied building. The project involved intrusive works to the external fabric of the structure, with programme pressure to commence works promptly.
PCS was supporting a subcontractor appointed to undertake re-cladding works for a principal contractor on an occupied building. The project involved intrusive works to the external fabric of the structure, with programme pressure to commence works promptly.
During a routine site inspection, a PCS health & safety representative identified the presence of significant asbestos-containing materials within the building fabric. This posed a serious risk to operatives and others on site if works were to proceed without appropriate controls.
The issue had been overlooked amid programme pressure, and there was a clear risk that continuing works would result in regulatory enforcement, immediate site shutdown by the HSE, and significant financial and reputational consequences for those involved.
During a routine site inspection, a PCS health & safety representative identified the presence of significant asbestos-containing materials within the building fabric. This posed a serious risk to operatives and others on site if works were to proceed without appropriate controls.
The issue had been overlooked amid programme pressure, and there was a clear risk that continuing works would result in regulatory enforcement, immediate site shutdown by the HSE, and significant financial and reputational consequences for those involved.
PCS acted decisively but proportionately. The health & safety representative worked closely with the subcontractor’s site manager to ensure the risk was clearly understood and appropriately escalated.
It became apparent that the principal contractor was not previously aware of the asbestos risk. Once informed, they engaged promptly to address the issue in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
This intervention demonstrated the value of experienced, site-based health & safety support, ensuring the right decisions were made at the right time, even under commercial pressure.
This intervention demonstrated the value of experienced, site-based health & safety support, ensuring the right decisions were made at the right time, even under commercial pressure.
