🏗️ Case Study: Asbestos Insulating Board Roof Removal

Client: Local Company
Asbestos Removal Contractor: Rightway Environmental Ltd
Location: Abingdon, Oxon
Project Start Date: 17/11/2025
Project Type: Licensed Asbestos Removal

🧱 Project Overview

Rightway Environmental were appointed by a local compnay to carry out the licensed removal of asbestos insulating board (AIB) from the roof structure of a residential property known as The Other House.

The asbestos insulating board was located within Roof B, positioned above the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom areas. Due to the material type and location, the works required fully controlled conditions in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations.

🧾 Scope of Works

The project involved the safe removal and disposal of asbestos insulating board panels fixed within the roof structure.

This was an unusual installation, as the AIB panels were located above the roof rafters rather than below them — meaning access could only be achieved externally once the roof covering had been removed.

The scope included:

  • Coordination with the client for roof tile removal
  • Removal of roofing felt and battens
  • Exposure and controlled removal of asbestos insulating board panels
  • Safe packaging, logging, and disposal of licensed asbestos waste

⚙️ Our Approach

Due to the location of the asbestos insulating board above the rafters, a phased and collaborative approach was required.

The client first removed the roof tiles to provide access. Rightway Environmental then carefully removed the felt and battens to expose the AIB panels.

The roof was fully scaffolded with:

  • Fixed perimeter scaffolding
  • Ranch boards for stable working platforms
  • A tin hat covering to protect against poor weather conditions

Licensed asbestos removal was carried out under fully controlled conditions. The air monitoring equipment and bag lock were positioned safely on the scaffolding, accessed via a gated Haki staircase to ensure secure entry and exit for operatives.

This setup ensured compliance, safety, and efficiency despite challenging weather conditions and the unusual panel positioning.

🤝 Challenges & Collaboration

The primary challenge on this project was the non-standard positioning of the asbestos insulating board above the rafters.

Close coordination ensured that roof coverings were removed methodically, allowing safe exposure and removal of the AIB without compromising structural integrity or weather protection.

The installation of a tin hat scaffold system was particularly beneficial in maintaining programme continuity during poor weather.

🦺 Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibility

All works were conducted in full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations and HSE guidance for licensed asbestos removal.

Key control measures included:

  • Fully controlled working conditions
  • Secure scaffold access with gated staircase
  • Dedicated air monitoring and bag lock procedures
  • Controlled waste handling and disposal via licensed routes

Weather protection measures ensured enclosure integrity and maintained safe working conditions throughout the project duration.

✅ Project Outcome

The asbestos insulating board was successfully removed and disposed of safely, allowing roofing works to proceed without delay.

Rightway Environmental delivered the project efficiently while maintaining strict health and safety standards, demonstrating adaptability in managing unusual asbestos installations within roof structures.

🌍 Project Significance

This project highlights Rightway Environmental’s ability to manage complex and non-standard asbestos removal scenarios.

Through careful planning, collaboration, and robust site controls, we ensured safe removal of licensed asbestos materials while supporting the client’s wider refurbishment works.