Corus Rail Products, Workington
Background
Thompsons have just completed the full site clearance of Corus rails’ Workington site at Moss bay in Cumbria, allowing for the later re-development of the 70 acre site. Works commenced in December of 2007 and were programmed for a 36 working week duration.
The scope of the works was the demolition of all process plant and structures to floor slab level. Structures included the former Furnace, Rolling Mills, Stores and Office areas and Rail Storage Sheds. All ferrous materials wereto be processed to a size of less than 5ft, allowing for transfer to Corus BOS plant in Teeside for re-use. In addition all equipment was removedfrom cellars and sub-surface structures. The site was then backfilled with clean processed materials and re-graded to ensure a safe and tidy finish.
A team of 11 experienced demolition operatives and their Site Supervisor undertook the site clearance works. The demolition and dismantling works were managed by a Corus Rail Closure Team, who worked closely with Thompsons ensuring that the works were undertaken safely and to programme.
Demolition Process
The work was pre-planned via a series of site visits, allowing Thompsons Project Management Team to draft the required method statements and risk assessments for each phase of the project. All paperwork was approved by Corus prior to commencement of works. Regular method statement updates, toolbox talks and audits are conducted throughout the demolition works.
Following approval to commence works each demolition area was segregated via fencing to form discreet demolition exclusion zones, allowing for management of the specific working area and for their control as a CDM site. This was particularly necessary during initial phases of the demolition as several Corus employees remained on site to assist in the decommissioning of the plant and the removal of selected items of plant for re-use off site.
Prior to demolition within each specific area a team of asbestos trained Thompsons operatives removed all asbestos containing materials in line with the projects type 3 asbestos survey.
The demolition and dismantling of structures was primarily conducted via mechanical means. Thompsons employed a range of demolition specification excavator machines. The use of mechanical means reduces risks to operatives and ensures that only essential persons are placed within the exclusion zones. The machines allow for the processing of 100t+ of scrap each day.
The larger shed structures were systematically dismantled using the demolition plant (equipped with a range of demolition attachments including hydraulic sheer, pulverisor and rotating grab). Where required to ensure a controlled collapse, demolition operatives conducted pre-demolition weakening and preparation of structures. This was achieved using a combination of cold cut techniques and gas burning (where the atmospheric conditions allowed for its use). All hot works were undertaken to a strict permit to works procedure and in accordance with Thompsons Hot Working Policy and Procedures. Masonry structures were reduced with care forwarded to the control of dust, ensuring the protection of adjoining buildings and the external environment.
Basements, pits and cellars were cleared of process plant using mechanical means to ensure the safety of operatives and eliminate the requirement to work in confined spaces. Once cleared, the areas are assessed by the Corus Closure Team prior to permission to backfill using suitable processed and clean materials.
