The client

Environtec is the primary asbestos consultant, responsible for surveying all of the Co-op’s food stores, supermarkets, funeral branches and residential properties. While the organisation arranges its own removal works, we provide analytical services and act as primary contractor on every project. This involves holding toolbox talks and conducting site inductions, as well as ensuring all work proceeds smoothly.

Key challenges and solutions

The East of England Co-op is relied on by communities across East Anglia. This means we have to undertake our work at specific times. For example, we have to avoid the opening hours of food stores and supermarkets, as well as times when funeral branches have client appointments. This results in a lot of out-of-hours time spent conducting surveys and project managing the removal works conducted by another company. The latter involves auditing performance and ensuring CAR2012 standards are adhered to.

Additionally, some of the Co-op sites are in Grade I and II listed buildings, meaning we have to work to stringent heritage requirements as well as the rules of the relevant local authorities. This involves careful pre-planning and regular contact with the client and local councils.