Project Overview

We are currently delivering a  asbestos removal project at the former West Fraser Europe manufacturing facility located at South Molton, EX36.
The works commenced at the end of October and are scheduled to run for five months.

The project focuses on the safe removal of asbestos packers within Section 3A of the roof structure, ensuring full compliance with HSE regulations, environmental standards and stringent onsite safety controls.

Method – Removal of Asbestos Packers

Prior to commencement of work, operatives will prepare a 1:10 A-Strip and water solution. Using hand-pump sprayers, they will mist-spray the asbestos packers until fully saturated. This is a critical control measure to suppress potential fibre release before any mechanical activity takes place. Saturation levels will be continuously monitored throughout to ensure no dry areas remain.

Once saturation is confirmed, operatives will use a 110v reciprocating saw to locate and cut through the metal roof sheet fixings. Saw operation will be carefully managed to comply with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) regulations, with usage limited to a maximum of 45 minutes per operative within an eight-hour shift. All cutting works will be undertaken using the shadow vacuum method to capture any dust or fibres released at source and minimise airborne contamination.

When the fixings have been severed and the metal roof sheet loosened, operatives will remove the asbestos packers and immediately deposit them into red UN-approved asbestos waste sacks.

The metal roof sheets will then be lowered carefully to ground level to avoid damage or disturbance. At ground level, each sheet will be cleaned using an H-type vacuum, followed by spray application of A-Strip solution and damp-wipe removal of any remaining residue. Once cleaned, the sheets will be placed in a designated clean zone for inspection by G&L Environmental, ensuring no contamination remains prior to reuse or disposal.

All asbestos waste held in red bags will be transferred into the middle stage of the bag-lock system, where each bag will be vacuumed, sprayed and wiped clean. They will then be placed inside a clear UN-approved asbestos waste sack and sealed using cloth tape. The outside operative will then collect the double-bagged waste and transport it safely to the on-site lockable asbestos skip for secure storage and subsequent removal by a licensed waste carrier.

Once the asbestos packers have been removed from each area, the MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) team will begin cleaning all exposed roof beams. This will include:

  • H-type vacuuming

  • Spray application of A-Strip solution

  • Damp-wipe cleaning to achieve a dust-free and debris-free finish

The site supervisor will carry out a rolling visual inspection to confirm the area meets the required cleanliness standard. Following this, G&L Environmental will conduct an independent rolling visual inspection of the roof beams, MEWP platform and surrounding working area to verify successful decontamination.

Progression to the next bay will only be permitted once G&L Environmental has completed and passed a full visual inspection of the completed section. This sequence of work will continue bay by bay until all asbestos packers within Section 3A have been safely removed and certified clean.

Upon completion of removal works, G&L Environmental will undertake a modified Stage 4 clearance, consisting of a visual inspection combined with air testing to confirm that Area 3A is free from asbestos contamination. Following successful clearance, all polyethylene sheeting, warning signage and containment barriers will be carefully dismantled and disposed of as asbestos waste, then placed in the on-site asbestos skip for final disposal via a licensed waste carrier.

About the Site – Why This Project Matters

The South Molton facility holds significant heritage in the UK manufacturing sector:

Highlight Summary
 Industrial roots Built and operated by Norbord before integration into West Fraser in 2021
 Ownership West Fraser is a Canadian-based global leader with 60+ mills across Europe & North America
🧱 Production fame The site manufactured CaberFloor®, one of the UK’s most widely used flooring panels
🌳 Sustainable sourcing Most timber came from local UK forests within 100 km, reducing carbon transport
🌎 Zero waste Every part of the tree was utilised — residues converted to biofuel for onsite energy
👷 Workforce legacy After closure in 2023, many workers were redeployed across UK West Fraser sites
💚 Renewable energy West Fraser facilities generate substantial on-site heat and power from biomass
🏆 Recognition The company has received Green World Environment Awards for sustainability
🧰 Company ethos Motto: “If you take care of the land, the land will take care of you.”

Outcome and Impact

This project is ensuring:

  • Safe decontamination of a major industrial facility
  • Environmental responsibility through controlled asbestos handling
  • Protection of future users, contractors and surrounding communities
  • Preservation of the site’s legacy for potential redevelopment

By applying industry-leading engineering controls, air management systems, and auditing procedures, the project demonstrates best practice in asbestos risk management on large-scale industrial structures.

Next Steps

Upon completion of Section 3A and confirmation of a clean atmospheric environment, the cleared area will be handed back for the next stage of the site’s future development.