Removing asbestos safely and quickly for Hounslow Borough Council, UK

Hounslow Borough Council in West London owns roughly 20 000 properties, many of which are old enough to contain in-situ asbestos. Following a competitive tender process, RSK company PA Group was awarded a four-year framework contract from 2016 to 2021 for asbestos removal services. This means it is the single source supplier and nominated removal contractor for the council in all areas.

As a part of this framework, we work daily in Hounslow: small teams of two or three undertake planned work, corporate or asset management projects and void property work on a two-day turnaround. In addition to these site teams, we also have a dedicated project team that meets directly and regularly with Hounslow Borough Council to provide project continuity. Our asbestos remediation team is on hand to provide services for the voids team, planned or reactive maintenance and capital projects. Through our in-house reinstatement division, we have also reinstated roofs, soffits, fascias and rainwater goods.

When carrying out work on such a high volume of residences, a key aspect is successful liaison with tenants and clients to ensure that the process of inspection and any feedback on results is as economical as possible.

For all work, particularly on voids, we have a very strict two-day turnaround from instruction to site work completion and uploading of completion documentation to SHINE, the council’s bespoke software database. To achieve this key performance indicator, we use multiskilled operatives such as asbestos-trained plumbers and electricians. It is also imperative that, during all work, we follow the procedures set by the council to ensure that no tenants or in-house staff are exposed to asbestos. These procedures include bespoke paperwork, signage on doors and procedures for access and egress. This all adds to the time required for work, but PA Group still completes a project within the expected turnaround time.

Both the PA Group quality team and the London Borough of Hounslow’s in-house audit team regularly audit all work. We have completed many (100,000+) projects in communal care homes and tower blocks, both as the principal contractor and in conjunction with other companies as a nominated supplier.

The continuing relationship and trust that we have built with Hounslow Borough Council demonstrates our capabilities for long-term contracts and is confirmed by the council’s activation of all contract extensions.