THE SUMMARY

COMPETENCIES UTILISED:
Asbestos Removal

PROJECT:
Royal Berkshire Hospital, North Ducts

CLIENT:
Royal Berkshire Hospital

SCOPE OF WORKS

Maylarch was appointed to undertake a detailed environmental clean of the basement plant room (Pump Room) to allow safe access for future works. This included the removal of redundant pipework, fittings, scaffold materials, and insulation debris from made ground and surfaces, as well as the cleaning and encapsulation of hard‑to‑access areas.

PROJECT DELIVERY

Overview
The plant room was heavily congested with redundant pipework, old services, asbestos insulation residues, and contaminated materials across walls, surfaces, and structural features. Due to the condition and complexity of the area—including live hot water pipes and electrical installations—the works demanded a phased, highly controlled approach prioritising safety, careful access, and minimal disruption.

Brief
The project involved the removal of all redundant pipework and insulation materials to provide clear and safe access throughout the plant room. Operatives manually removed asbestos insulation residues from walls, pipes, and surfaces using vacuum‑assisted and low‑disturbance methods. Where safe access was not possible, areas were encapsulated for ongoing management.

Hot water pipes were cleaned using dry methods only, due to temperature and safety constraints, and were partially covered with thermal blankets to protect operatives from burns. Asbestos‑contaminated scaffolding within the plant room was dismantled and removed in manageable sections.

Cable trays and associated wiring were cleaned carefully under electrical safety protocols, with all accessible areas fine cleaned to remove dust and asbestos debris. Remaining switchgear and live services were cleaned where feasible and then sealed to prevent fibre migration. All penetrations in walls and ceilings were sealed with fire‑retardant products.

CHALLENGES

Works were carried out in a controlled asbestos enclosure, with all asbestos residues and contaminated materials removed using hand tools, vacuums, and wet wiping techniques. Redundant pipes and scaffold materials were dismantled into smaller, manageable sections and disposed of as hazardous waste. Areas with limited access or excessive heat from live pipes were encapsulated following a full assessment by the independent analyst.

Cable trays and wall‑mounted services were cleaned using type‑H vacuums and specialist cleaning cloths, with operatives following strict electrical safety procedures. Once the room was cleared of debris, all accessible surfaces were fine cleaned. Remaining areas that could not be accessed safely were identified and recorded by the analyst for future management.

Encapsulation was applied to any surface or pipework that could not be safely or fully cleaned. A full inspection confirmed the area was ready for ongoing safe use or further refurbishment.

THE OUTCOME

Maylarch successfully delivered a full environmental clean of the basement plant room under challenging access and safety conditions. The space was decontaminated, cleaned, and made safe for future works. All hazardous materials were removed or encapsulated, and the project was completed in line with asbestos regulations and internal quality procedures. The result was a cleaner, safer environment, achieved without disruption to live services or electrical systems.