Access to the Makerspace via the Birdhouse Brewery gates has been properly closed off (pics below). Site worker says it’s important to remain that way as there is possible asbestos in the skip in the arch to the right. It will move in the next few days but there will be a few more skips coming and going over the next week or so.
Access from the other side via the main gates next to Costcutters has also been altered. There are now metal fences in the way, which we can roll open (the middle segment has a wheel attachment), while it was said that deliveries and drop offs can be made by vehicle but vehicles can’t stay.
I was told by the same site worker that this was after a complaint from Birdhouse about how vehicle access had been managed. The site worker said they thought they were doing a good job of keeping things accessible, but since the complaint Arch Co have ordered for it to be this way. They also said it is currently looking to be this way while construction works continue for the next 4 - 6 months.
Suspected asbestos (which has clearly been disturbed) in an open skip is a public health hazard. I’m fairly sure it’s illegal to store it that way - it needs to be completely sealed.
My understanding is that legally, suspected asbestos needs to be treated as asbestos until tested. Why are they disturbing it?
Is this worth reporting to the environmental health team at the council? If the builders are disturbing asbestos in the open air next to the space, then leaving the disturbed material in an open air skip, I’m pretty sure this is a violation (not to mention dangerous for both the builders and the members of the space).
Is it even legal for them to be doing this building work until the asbestos content has been confirmed?
Edit: ah, I see the skip is covered at least. Still, are we sure this is being dealt with up to standard? I don’t want to be exposed to asbestos.
They don’t seem to care about legality of anything so far. They stole our bike rack, turned off the lights in the estate, blocking us from parking during the day at least, unlit obstructions all over the place causing crashing and tripping hazards (seen plenty of that already). Overall a very unwelcoming experience considering we have open evening tonight. Wouldn’t surprise me if they claim there’s asbestos everywhere and tell the tenants they can’t visit the site anymore until further notice.
Just had another chat with the friendly chap from Horizon Environmental who are the guys dealing with the asbestos, who says this is their expertise and they have done everything by the book. That skip - designed for asbestos removal, which was covered and held within the concrete - has now been moved. The air quality was being monitored and showed no trace.
From what I’ve seen, both Horizon Environmental and Inline Design (construction company) have been trying to accommodate us as best they can. Apologies if the last message was a bit alarming
