CASE STUDIES

Old War Office

Eton Environmental Group carried out asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys and subsequent asbestos removal monitoring within the Grade II listed Old War Office in London.

The Client:

Keltbray is recognised as one of the UK’s most experienced asbestos removal contractors, with a reputation for innovation and delivery.

The Work:

Keltbray was commissioned by Westminster Development Services to convert the historic Grade II listed Old War Office in Whitehall into a new luxury hotel operated by The Raffles Group. The Edwardian building was where much of the Government’s World War II planning took place, and where Winston Churchill has his office.

Eton Environmental Group was tasked by Keltbray to carry out asbestos refurbishment and demolition surveys and subsequent asbestos removal monitoring within the building

Particular consideration needed to be applied when planning the surveys the works to reflect the historical importance of the building.

Scope of works:

• Refurbishment and demolition surveys
• Bulk sampling and laboratory analysis
• Asbestos advice and action plans
• Air monitoring and clearance certificates

Following pre-start meetings, we began refurbishment survey investigations at roof level working our way down, balancing the client’s needs for the major refurbishments planned and the limitations of a building with such historical importance.

Our surveyors were on site for weeks per floor depending on the size and complexity of the floor and working around high security areas with forward planning and flexibility to ensure compliance with the sites strict access rules and regulations.

Following completion of refurbishment investigations on each floor, Eton produced a full Asbestos Survey Report prior to moving on to the next floor, with the survey reports returned with 10 working days of completion off that floor.

Before being issued to the clients, our Technical Review Team of highly experienced senior staff reviewed survey reports, database returns and survey plans to ensure they met Eton’s high quality standards and all requirements of the contract.

Our Senior Surveyor, Operations Director, Keltbray and Westminster Development Services met following completion of each one of these reports to run through the findings and discuss the best course of action required to enable Keltbray and Westminster Development Services to start planning any remedial works required.

Following completion of all refurbishment investigations to all floors, Eton were employed by Keltbray to provide on-going asbestos consultancy, air monitoring support and clearances throughout the remedial phase of the project.

During the asbestos remediation projects, Eton provided air analysis attendance with a dedicated team of analysts who carried out ad-hoc bulk sampling, air monitoring, smoke tests, visual inspections and full four-stage clearance tests on completion.

We also provided access to our own Electronic Asbestos Management System (TEAMS). This system provides 24-hour access to contract-specific asbestos records, management information; clear audit trails and works progress.

The work was completed on schedule and the new hotel is scheduled to open in early 2023.