Posted By David Bowen Hello all, your help would greatly appreciated. Recently, fire gutted an industrial unit. The premises handled large quantities of copper and PVC in their manufacturing process. The roof of the unit was covered with corrugated asbestos cement sheeting supported on steel H-beam type trusses and rafters. As a result of the fire, the combustion of PVC in the presence of oxygen and copper catalysed the production of dioxins. This has been deposited throughout the structure as a film and also as soot and dust. However, to make matters worse, the fire destroyed the cement roofing permitting the free dispersion of asbestos fibres. The asbestos fibres are also contaminated with very high levels of dioxins as confirmed by sampling. The conundrum is this. The whole structure must be cleaned and made safe while the immediate and future safety of all personnel is paramount. Because this is quite unique, I am not sure of the safe working procedures and environmental concerns. However, dioxins can be destroyed by incineration, but asbestos contaminated with dioxins cannot be incinerated (or can it?). I do know that asbestos is made safe by burying it. Firstly, I believe that the asbestos contamination should be removed first and personnel should wear positive pressure body suits. How, should the contaminated asbestos be disposed? Next, the extensive dioxin coating on the steel beams and the concrete walls needs removing or neutralising. Can this be done without the need to scrape, rub or scarify? Then how is this disposed? Lastly, if you know of someone (or a company) with the relevant experience to manage all levels of safety on this type of project, I would be very keen to pass on the name. Advice, referrals, hints and tips eagerly received and thank you.

Posted By Peter MacDonald David Could you activate your e-mail link or send me an e-mail and I'll give you some useful contacts. Rather not put them on public display for Conflict of Interest reasons. Pete

Posted By David Bowen Thank you for the advice so far. I called the environment agency yesterday about how I should dispose of dioxin waste. They were very confident about dioxin removal from incinerator fumes but couldn't help with anything else. I was quite disappointed. I agree with all responses; an experienced asbestos management company will have the knowledge and resources to cope with this double contamination. Thanks again.