Asbestos R&D Survey – South Kirkby Academy, Wakefield

An asbestos R&D survey was carried out at by Ranson Surveying at South Kirkby Academy, which is a 1960s-era CLASP-type prefabricated primary school building in West Yorkshire, a few miles south of Leeds in the Wakefield area.

The client was a local building contractor who required an asbestos refurbishment / demolition survey in order to fulfil their obligations in regard to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This survey was carried out before the refurbishment works were started, which were in this case the laying of cables and service runs in the ceiling voids of the school in question.

These CLASP schools are renowned for the high level of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found within the fabric of the building, and thus require long-term asbestos management. As within all buildings of the period, ACMs were used extensively for heat insulation and fireproofing, as well as commonly being used in floor and ceiling tiles and even wall panels. Many of these system buildings used lightweight steel frames that required fire protection, particularly in ground floor locations of multi-storey buildings. One particular type of ACM, Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was often used for this purpose, particularly in CLASP schools of this type. Also, building systems developed over time and details were revised and specification of materials changed, also the project architect may have specified some alternative or additional uses of ACMs that may not necessarily be recorded or included in the basic building design. This has led to variation in the types and locations of ACMs within these buildings. After the asbestos R&D survey was carried out, the asbestos removal was begun by a licensed asbestos removal contractor in accordance with the relevant legislation, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. To find out more about our Asbestos Management and R&D Surveys, get in touch today here