IDOM undertook an asbestos survey of all buildings at the former MOD Colchester Garrison. The site included barracks and associated buildings such as the armoury as well as offices, mess area and warehouses.

A type 3 (Demolition Survey) was undertaken to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in the areas where demolition work was to take place. The survey was intrusive and involved destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that were difficult to reach. Demolition surveys are intended to locate all the asbestos in the building (or the relevant part), as far as reasonably practicable. It is a disruptive and fully intrusive survey which penetrates all parts of the building structure. Aggressive inspection techniques are used to lift carpets and tiles, break through walls, ceilings, cladding and partitions, and open up floors. In these situations, IDOM implements controls to prevent the spread of debris, which might include asbestos.

The ‘surveyed’ areas were shown to be fit for re-occupation before allowing access to contractors, etc. This was undertaken by IDOM completing a thorough visual inspection.

The survey was undertaken using two teams of asbestos surveyors over a four month period. Annotated CAD drawings were produced highlighting the asbestos found within the survey. A full photographic report was published indicating the location, quantity and condition of the asbestos identified.