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Part of the large-scale renovation of the Rode Dorp involved locating and removing materials containing asbestos. After a thorough investigation, asbestos-containing vent pipes were found in approximately thirty homes. ASB professionally removed them without requiring residents to leave their homes. A fine example of craftsmanship.
As a partner in the Nijhuis Bouw Apeldoorn supply chain, ASB has played a key role in asbestos removal for nearly ten years. “Always with a sharp focus on the right balance between price and quality,” assures Chris van Beek, site supervisor at ASB in Veenendaal. “In this project, our expertise went hand in hand with careful communication, because removing asbestos isn’t just about doing the technical work well—it also requires consideration for the people who live there.”
The vent pipes in question ran from the kitchen and the bathroom through the first floor and the attic to the roof, often covering a distance of about 8 meters per home, Van Beek recalls. “The situation varied from house to house: sometimes parts had already been remediated during previous renovations, but in many cases a complete overhaul was necessary. And that always starts with creating a completely safe work environment. Here in the homes of the Rode Dorp, that meant building what’s called a ”containment’—an airtight enclosure made of plastic sheeting and wooden battens in the attic, the bedrooms, and on the landing. A special shower enclosure was then set up in one of the bedrooms. It was quite an undertaking, especially given the limited space in the often small rooms.”
During the cleanup, the containment area was kept under negative pressure at all times to prevent any harmful fibers from escaping. “The air was actively extracted and filtered,” Van Beek explains. “After removing and packing the pipes, the containment area was thoroughly cleaned with wet cloths and special vacuum cleaners. An independent agency then conducted air quality tests to verify that the area was completely safe. Only after receiving official clearance were we able to dismantle the containment and dispose of the asbestos-containing material—which had been carefully packaged—in accordance with applicable regulations.”
Although the technical work is often completed within a single day per home, the biggest challenge often lies with the residents, says Van Beek. “Clearing out rooms and accepting the extensive work requires clear explanations and understanding. That’s exactly where we make a difference: we work with skilled professionals, ensure clear communication, and show genuine concern for the residents. In this way, we’ve also done our part to make Rode Dorp a safer and healthier place.”
