T&S ENVIRONMENTAL

Licensed Asbestos Roof Removal & Industrial Roof Replacement

Project Overview

LCT Engineering’s workshop at Tilbury Docks required the removal of an ageing asbestos cement roof and associated asbestos insulating board followed by installation of a new insulated roof system. T&S Environmental was appointed to deliver a fully licensed asbestos removal programme while key areas of the site remained operational, then install a new Tata Steel roof with 100mm insulation board to improve safety and thermal performance.

Initial Requirements & Challenges

The client needed a controlled strip out of asbestos cement roof sheets and affected AIB panels above an active industrial site that included offices, workshops, storage areas, toilets and canteens. The core challenge was completing the works at height while protecting day to day operations beneath, maintaining safe access routes and preserving weather protection during the phased removal and replacement of the roof.

Investigation & Findings

A joint site meeting and walk around on 16 June reviewed the practicalities of carrying out roof works over live areas. This identified where access had to be maintained and where operations could be paused. It also confirmed that existing roof areas and internal ceilings would not safely support netting without additional measures and that a remove and replace sequence would be required so the building could remain in use while the works progressed.

Approach & Solution

T&S Environmental developed a licensed plan of works covering both asbestos cement roof and AIB removal. Heras fencing and clear signage were installed to define the work zones, with scaffold erected to provide safe facade and roof access. Scaffold crash decks and safety netting were introduced to protect operational areas beneath the roof works, supported by strong communication between the site supervisor, the client and on site teams.

The asbestos cement sheets and affected AIB panels were removed in a controlled sequence, with sections stripped and replaced in phases to maintain weather proofing. Once each area was made safe the new Tata Steel roofing system with 100mm insulation board was installed in line with the agreed specification and quotation, providing a robust, energy efficient replacement roof.

Navigating Challenges

Working above active offices, workshops and welfare areas demanded careful segregation and planning. In zones with suspended ceilings the tiles and grid were removed so safety netting could be installed then reinstated once works were complete. A protected crash deck walkway was agreed so staff could move safely from the ground floor office area to maintained work zones.

Daily monitoring of weather conditions allowed the supervisor to pause or resume works where wind or rain presented additional risk at height. Throughout the project existing fire routes were reviewed and maintained where possible with any temporary changes agreed on site to keep staff and visitors safe.

Outcome & Impact

The project delivered a fully renewed Tata Steel roof with 100mm insulation board and the complete removal of asbestos containing roof materials and affected AIB panels in line with licensed procedures. Operational disruption to LCT Engineering was minimised through phased working, clear exclusion zones and maintained access routes. The workshop now benefits from a safer, compliant roof structure with improved thermal performance and a modern insulated system suited to ongoing industrial use.

Timeframe & Constraints

Despite working over live operational areas and being dependent on safe weather windows for roof access, the works were completed within the agreed programme and handed back to the client in October 2025. Careful sequencing, robust supervision and coordinated communication ensured that safety, quality and programme were all maintained throughout the project.

Customer Testimonial

"T&S Environmental managed a complex asbestos roof removal and replacement programme over our live workshop with real professionalism. Access, safety and communication were all handled extremely well and the new insulated Tata Steel roof has already made a noticeable difference to the working environment. The project was delivered on time and with minimal disruption to our operation."