Keeping history on track
When licensed asbestos removal experts, Strada Environmental, were tasked with the unique challenge of removing asbestos-containing bitumen from the interior of an historic railway carriage, they needed an efficient piece of equipment that was up to the task.
Full steam ahead
The Asbestos removal works were carried out in Hamilton in Scotland and involved blasting the bitumen residue from inside the carriage. Asbestos was widely used in the construction and maintenance of trains with the natural strength and high melting point of its fibers, asbestos was commonly used for insulation, lining carriage walls, boilers and heating systems.
The Quill Falcon Cyclone 120 Trailer which is both convenient and powerful, was selected for this project. It comprises of a Quill Falcon Cyclone 120, a 115 litre water tank and a 177cfm compressor providing customers with everything they need to start blasting almost immediately. The Quill Falcon Cyclone 120 Trailer is extremely popular with clients who operate in difficult locations where access to a water supply is often limited or non-existent and manoeuvrability is a must.
Before the removal process could begin, Strada set up a decontamination unit, constructed a three-stage airlock and bag lock and sealed the carriage with polythene and timber to create an airtight enclosure. A smoke test was then conducted to ensure there were no leaks before work got underway.
Staying on course
Removing asbestos bitumen coatings can be a slow and arduous process, but with the hire of Quill Falcon 120 Cyclone Trailer, Strada made light work of the task. The Quill Falcon dustless blasting system ensured the bitumen surface was kept cool during the wet blasting process and the water and surfactant in our system suppressed the grit and asbestos fibres to prevent any airborne contamination.
Once the removal was complete, all asbestos waste was double-bagged and safely disposed of in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 legislation. An independent UKAS-accredited laboratory then inspected the area and conducted an air test, ensuring a clean bill of health before the enclosure was dismantled.
A successful journey
Thanks to meticulous planning and the use of the right equipment, Strada successfully removed the hazardous material and preserved the integrity of the historic railway carriage.
Want to find out more about how the Quill Falcon range of dustless blasting equipment can help with the safe removal of asbestos? Get in touch here.
