Although asbestos is a big problem when working on many brownfield sites, proper planning and management of these risks can lead to the successful delivery of projects without unnecessary delays or unexpected surprises partway through the works.
Many brownfield development projects involve excavations and landscaping work in ground that has been affected by previous site uses. Made ground is commonly present, and this often consists of historical demolition materials and other wastes deposited during previous site works. Due to poor practices in the past, asbestos fibres and/or pieces of asbestos-containing construction materials are commonly part of the make-up of such made ground, and therefore contractors are faced with a significant risk when dealing with it.
Although asbestos is a big problem when working on many brownfield sites, proper planning and management of these risks can lead to the successful delivery of projects without unnecessary delays or unexpected surprises partway through the works. Some of the common issues and questions that contractors involved in earthworks and landscaping ask are covered below.