Construction microorganisms: Aspergillus during demolition and refurbishment

In light of the proximity to hospitals BibbEgan have taken additional measures to protect the neighbouring properties from our works.

We are conscious that demolition can release historic pathogens from construction materials and are aware that aspergillosis from the aspergillus pathogen can be particularly harmful to recovering patients.

Our methods of work always consider dust and debris avoidance where possible but in light of the nature of demolition we will have specific and deliberate dust suppression with a system to remove the dust collected from the site so as to prevent re energisation into the air after drying.

We will have 99.94% HEPA filtration and negative pressure enclosures on the removal of any materials likely to have very small friable fibres, mainly asbestos.
Additionally, we will have our site fully scaffolded and environmentally wrapped with a heat sealed plastic to prevent any of outlet demolition arising from leaving the confines of our site where reasonably practicable.

Aspergillus is a fungus that can cause significant health problems when breathed in during certain construction work. This page tells you how to control this risk and why. You also need to be aware of the general information on microorganisms.

What you must do

Follow the Assess, Control and Review model. Pay particular attention to the following things:

Assess and identify

You can find Aspergillus in many situations; eg heating, systems, air conditioning or insulation materials. Most healthy people are not affected. However, it can affect people with existing health problems, particularly damaged lungs or a weakened immune system. You should pay particular attention to demolition or refurbishment work where there may be vulnerable members of the public – eg hospitals or care homes.

Control and prevent

You should get specialist advice where there is a significant risk from Aspergillus. Appropriate solutions may include:

• Dust control – stopping dust getting into the air
• Ventilation – make sure ventilation systems that are properly maintained / free from contamination before re-commissioning

Review

Supervise to ensure that controls are effective and used by the workers.

What you should know

Aspergillus is a mould commonly found in many indoor environments. Demolition or refurbishment work, particularly of older buildings, can release fungal spores. People with damaged lungs or a weakened immune system can get a number of diseases (called Aspergillosis or farmer’s lung) if they inhale these spores.

You can find more information about Aspergillus on the NHS and Aspergillus websites.

This policy is available to all interested parties upon request.

James Bibbey Managing Director
for and on behalf of BibbEgan Limited