Severe Fire

Situation Analysis

The Redruth DIY superstore suffered a severe fire on the evening of the 3rd of May 2002. The fire destroyed a large goods store attached to the rear of the main building. The large public sales area was flooded with water run-off from the fire suppression. The fire service had to continue damping down for some days.

Objectives

The store management's prime concern was for the safety of their staff and customers. They needed to ensure that the store's environment was made safe and that all goods were free from any contamination. They were also concerned to re-open again as soon as possible.

Considerations

Asbestos

The fire damaged building contained asbestos-cement materials. Richfords arranged for screening testing of the sales area by an independent laboratory. This revealed asbestos fibres levels just above normal background levels.

Contaminated water

The run off water from the fire fighting had flooded the store. This was contaminated with unknown substances and the local water authority required containment and specialist treatment.

Controlled waste disposal

Some of the stock was contaminated with asbestos and required controlled disposal.

Implementation

• Richfords attended site within one hour of being contacted.
• A risk assessment was carried out and acted upon.
• Twenty thousand litres of water was extracted and contained in portable containment tanks, and later removed for treatment and disposal.
• An independent laboratory carried out a range of sampling for asbestos.
• Licensed asbestos contractors began containment of the rear of the building and controlled removal of the damaged asbestos.
• Richfords began cleaning and decontamination of the building and stock over a two-week period.

Results

The independent laboratory carried out extensive clearance testing during and on completion of our work. The store achieved their objectives. Their environment was again safe. The store re-opened on time.