'Asbestos Gortesloot neighborhood will be removed safely and responsibly'

Over 70% of residents from the Gortesloot neighborhood in Landsmeer have agreed to the plans of Eigen Haard and BAM Wonen Renovation Concepts to go gasless and more comfortable. By installing PV panels, a heat pump and a heat recovery system, among other things, 120 homes from the 1960s are currently being made zero-de-Meter (NOM). In addition, new facade elements will be installed, the houses will have a wider roof overhang and extensive asbestos removal will be carried out.

Vlasman b.v. is responsible for the safe removal and disposal of all materials containing asbestos in and on the 120 homes. In doing so, BAM's co-maker is working with four teams, which include tackling the roof and facade cladding on the upper floors (1), the facade cladding on the first floor (2), the sewers in the crawl spaces (3) and the asbestos-containing adhesive residues in the interior spaces (4). All asbestos remediation work is performed in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines, including the Asbestos Removal Decree. 

"Our remediation workers wear protective coveralls, respiratory protection equipment, boots and gloves at all times."

Indoor remediation according to containment method
"Our remediation employees wear protective coveralls, respiratory protection equipment, boots and gloves at all times," says Wim Kuipers, Superintendent at Vlasman b.v. "The indoor remediation is carried out entirely according to the containment method. This involves carefully separating all areas containing asbestos from the rest of the house. All work is then carried out inside the containment. Using special equipment, the containments are kept at negative pressure so that any asbestos particles released cannot escape. A special transit lock provides our employees with access to the asbestos source. In addition, employees can rinse off safely here. The negative pressure values of the containment are carefully monitored and recorded, so that immediate action can be taken in the event of any deviations or defects."

Vlasman b.v. is responsible for the safe removal and disposal of all asbestos-containing materials in and on the 120 homes.

Outdoor remediation in the open air
The outdoor cleanups are performed in the open air, Kuipers says. "For this, we use a fence of at least 5 meters around the asbestos sources to be removed. In addition to fencing, ribbons and signs are used to keep both local residents and construction partners at a sufficient distance." Removed asbestos-containing materials are double-packed in special (tear-resistant) plastic bags, which are immediately sealed airtight. "All bags are collected in a closed container at the construction site, which is periodically transported to the landfill." 

During the asbestos remediation, residents will be housed in a temporary guest house. About 50 percent of the work has now been completed. "By mid-June 2019, we will deliver our work on schedule," said Dr. K. K., president and CEO of the company.