Unique risks identified

The presence of ACMs in the healthcare facility posed significant and unique challenges compared to other sectors:
• Patient safety: vulnerable populations, such as patients with respiratory issues or compromised immune systems, are at greater risk from asbestos exposure. Any disturbance of ACMs could lead to the release of harmful fibres, directly impacting patient health.
• Operational integrity: as a 24/7 healthcare provider, maintaining full operational capacity is critical. Disruptions to care delivery, whether planned or unplanned, could have severe consequences for patient treatment and outcomes.
• Compliance and reputation: healthcare facilities are subject to stringent regulations, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Non-compliance or mishandling of ACMs could result in legal repercussions and damage to the provider’s reputation as a safe, responsible care institution.

Works undertaken

Given the complex nature of the healthcare environment, BCS implemented a multifaceted asbestos management approach to address both immediate and long-term risks:

1, Targeted asbestos survey and containment: a thorough asbestos survey was conducted to identify all ACMs within the facility, focusing on patient care areas, laboratories, and service corridors. Special emphasis was placed on containment strategies, ensuring that ACMs in sensitive zones were sealed and isolated to prevent accidental disturbance. This included the installation of physical barriers and airlock systems where necessary, reducing the risk of fibre release during routine operations.

2, Immediate containment and safe zones: where ACMs were located near critical patient areas, immediate containment procedures were put in place. This included the use of temporary enclosures and negative pressure systems, which are designed to control any potential asbestos exposure, allowing the facility to continue functioning without interruption.

3, Risk evaluation and custom work scheduling: a detailed risk evaluation was carried out, highlighting the areas most likely to encounter disturbance, either through daily operations or routine maintenance. To avoid disrupting vital healthcare services, all remediation work was scheduled during low-traffic periods, such as nights or weekends, and done in phases to maintain the availability of treatment areas.

4, Bespoke safety protocols: recognising the unique risks in a healthcare setting, BCS developed customised safety protocols. This included detailed air monitoring and fibre counting, particularly in patient-heavy areas, to ensure that no airborne asbestos fibres were present during containment or mitigation activities.

5, Technical oversight and staff training: beyond immediate asbestos management, BCS provided on-site training for hospital maintenance staff to ensure proper handling of ACMs during routine repairs or upgrades. Additionally, a continuous monitoring plan was established, including regular inspections and air quality assessments, ensuring compliance with ongoing safety standards.

Benefits of working with BCS

Choosing BCS as an asbestos consultant for healthcare projects brings specific advantages tailored to the unique demands of healthcare providers:

1, Rapid containment and control: in healthcare, any delay in managing asbestos risks can have immediate consequences. BCS is known for swift, effective containment strategies, deploying physical and environmental controls that ensure ACMs remain undisturbed and do not threaten patient safety.

2, Specialised knowledge in healthcare settings: unlike general asbestos consultancies, BCS offers deep expertise in managing asbestos risks within healthcare environments, ensuring that containment, removal, and monitoring practices adhere to the strict hygiene and operational needs of medical facilities.

3, Bespoke support and tailored solutions: every healthcare project is unique, with varying levels of risk depending on the building's usage. BCS provides fully tailored support, including bespoke management plans, that are designed to maintain safety while minimising disruption to critical patient care services.

4, Uncompromising commitment to safety: in a healthcare environment, there can be no compromise on safety. BCS prioritises patient and staff safety above all, ensuring that all asbestos handling, containment, and remediation work meets the highest standards of health and safety regulation, with zero tolerance for shortcuts or risk.

The project not only maintained compliance with regulatory standards but also reinforced the healthcare provider’s commitment to a safe and secure care environment.

Through proactive asbestos management, BCS ensures that healthcare facilities can continue to deliver critical services while safeguarding the well-being of all who rely on their care.