Known hazards before work starts
Hazard information, COSHH and safety data sheets reviewed, and gaps closed by testing when the records are incomplete.
Chemical and laboratory incidents
Where chemical contamination is suspected, assessment comes before cleaning. We review the hazard information, test, map the contamination and bring in scientific or occupational hygiene specialists where the incident needs them, so the building is made safe on evidence.
What you get
Research and operations protected
Controlled access, containment and shift working keep the incident away from the rest of the building.
A defensible decision to re-occupy
Surface sampling, laboratory analysis and verification at the end, recorded for the estates team and the health and safety committee.
How we handle it
Assess
Initial site assessment, hazard information review and controlled access arrangements.
Test
Specialist testing, surface contamination sampling and laboratory analysis, with contamination mapping across the affected areas.
Plan
Protective and respiratory equipment requirements, decontamination planning and waste management, written into a site-specific scope.
Remediate
Cleaning and remediation works, with specialist remediation contractors coordinated by us where they are needed.
Four floors, a basement and ten air-handling units
A fire and explosion in a London university laboratory, with incomplete hazard data on the chemicals involved. Testing found soot in all ten air-handling units and residues including sulphur, acetone, iron and aluminium.
- 15 specialists across two shifts
- Work from 5am to 9pm
- A 60-day remediation plan
- Ventilation system testing
- Contamination mapping
- A full remediation strategy and scope
Questions
What if the safety data sheets are incomplete?
We test to fill the gaps. On our laboratory case study the COSHH and safety data sheet information was incomplete, and sampling identified the residues.
Who does the analysis?
Independent specialist laboratories, chosen to suit the hazard, with scientific or occupational hygiene specialists brought in where needed.
Can research continue elsewhere in the building?
Usually, yes. Containment, controlled access and shift working protect research and day-to-day operations.
Where do you work?
Cambridge, London and East Anglia.
A chemical incident on site
- Keep people out of the affected area
- Gather the hazard information you have, including safety data sheets
- Call us and we will tell you what to do next