Ossett Academy instructed Complete Asbestos Surveys to carry out a targeted asbestos refurbishment survey before new windows were installed within four ground floor corridors. The CLASP-built school had known asbestos insulating board (AIB) packers and linings around structural steel columns. The survey confirmed the location and extent of these materials and found no additional asbestos-containing materials within the areas being investigated.
Case Study Overview
- Provided
- Asbestos Refurbishment Survey
- Client
- Ossett Academy
- Location
- Ossett
- Year
- 2025
- Duration
- 4 Hours
- Cost
- 340
The Client's Challenge
Ossett Academy in Wakefield was preparing for a programme of window replacement works within several ground floor corridors. Existing asbestos management information had already identified asbestos insulating board packers and linings associated with the structural steel columns.
Due to the CLASP construction of the school and the location of the known asbestos materials close to the proposed works, a targeted refurbishment survey was required before the window replacement programme could proceed.
The academy needed to establish whether any additional asbestos-containing materials were concealed within the areas likely to be disturbed and provide contractors with accurate asbestos information before work commenced.
As the survey required intrusive investigation within school corridors, it was scheduled during the school holidays to avoid disruption to pupils, teaching staff and normal school activities.
Our Approach
We carried out a targeted asbestos refurbishment survey covering approximately 120m² across four ground floor corridors affected by the proposed window replacement works.
The inspection focused specifically on the building fabric and structural areas that could be disturbed during the project. One representative sample was taken from an insulating board column packer and submitted for laboratory analysis.
The sample confirmed the presence of both chrysotile and amosite asbestos within the asbestos insulating board (AIB). Identical column packers within the remaining surveyed corridors were strongly presumed to contain the same material based on their appearance, construction and location.
The AIB column packers were found in good condition and assessed as very low risk while remaining undisturbed. Importantly, the refurbishment survey did not identify any additional asbestos-containing materials beyond those already documented within the academy's existing asbestos information.
The findings provided the academy and its contractors with the information required to ensure the known AIB could be properly considered and dealt with before the window installation works commenced.
4 Hours
Survey Duration
120m²
Area Surveyed
1
Positive Samples
0
Negative Samples
£340
Cost
Positive Outcome
The refurbishment survey confirmed the extent of the known asbestos insulating board within the affected corridors without identifying any unexpected additional asbestos materials.
This gave Ossett Academy a clear understanding of the asbestos risks associated with the planned window replacement programme and allowed the next stage of the project to be planned with the appropriate asbestos controls in place.
Completing the survey during the school holidays also meant the necessary intrusive investigations could be undertaken without disrupting lessons, pupils or staff, helping the academy prepare for its refurbishment works safely and efficiently.