Client: British Gypsum
Location: Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire
Project Type: Industrial Building Cleaning & Hazardous Waste Removal
Project Duration: Multi-phase programme
Contract Value: Commercial scale project
The Brief
Complete internal and external restoration of an industrial facility contaminated with DSG waste, requiring phased cleaning operations from ground level through to high-level structural elements, external cladding restoration, and comprehensive waste management—all executed to the highest health and safety standards with full environmental controls.
Project Requirements:
- Hazardous Waste Management – Safe removal and disposal of DSG waste with full documentation and transfer records
- Multi-Phase Coordination – Sequential cleaning operations from low-level through high-level access works
- Environmental Controls – Dust suppression, contamination prevention, and minimised environmental impact
- Site Welfare Infrastructure – Full welfare facilities for extended operations in decommissioned facility
- Zero Safety Incidents – Flawless safety record throughout hazardous material handling and high-risk access operations
Our Approach
RM Contractors specialises in industrial cleaning and hazardous waste removal within complex industrial environments. Working alongside our health and safety partners, York Safety Training, we developed a comprehensive Project Management Plan including detailed RAMS and operational controls before any works commenced. Our approach prioritised worker safety whilst delivering efficient, systematic restoration across multiple work phases.
How We Delivered:
Planning & Risk Assessment Phase:
- Detailed site inspections and hazard identification
- Comprehensive Project Management Plan development with York Safety Training
- RAMS documentation covering all operational phases
- Welfare infrastructure planning and installation
- Coordination with specialist subcontractors and waste management partners
Execution Phase:
- Phased approach beginning with low-level waste removal working systematically through building
- Concurrent external vegetation clearance enabling external access
- High-level internal cleaning using multiple boom lifts and pressure washing systems
- External cladding restoration following vegetation removal
- Continuous waste management throughout all phases
Project Management:
- On-site welfare compound with 32ft toilet/canteen unit, generator, waste holding tank, and water bowser
- Weekly safety audits and toolbox talks by York Safety Training
- Coordination with specialist plant operators and waste management contractors
- Full environmental controls including FFP3-rated RPE for all operatives
- Comprehensive compliance documentation and waste transfer records
The Build
Technical Execution
Our team established a complete welfare compound at the west end of the building, providing the infrastructure necessary for extended operations in a decommissioned facility. Working systematically from west to east, we deployed industrial-scale cleaning equipment whilst maintaining rigorous environmental controls. The phased approach ensured each stage was completed to specification before progressing, with continuous waste removal maintaining safe working conditions throughout.
Scope of Work Completed:
- Phase 1 – Internal Low-Level Cleaning: 50 Series Diesel Vacuum Machine with dual vacuum lines, road sweeper, and JCB loader for systematic DSG waste removal from ground level throughout building
- Phase 2 – External Vegetation Clearance: Complete removal of trees, vegetation, and stumps around building perimeter by Yorkshire Tree Surgeons, enabling external access
- Phase 3 – High-Level Internal Cleaning: Two JLG 860SJ telescopic boom lifts with pressure washers, four water bowsers (rotational operation), and diesel lighting towers for structural and overhead surface cleaning
- Phase 4 – External Cladding Cleaning: JLG 660SJ telescopic boom lift for external cladding restoration to window height, with ground surface cleaning using road sweeper and JCB loader
- Continuous Waste Management: Ongoing debris removal throughout all phases, with skip provision by Mytum & Selby and full waste transfer documentation
Specialised Techniques:
- Industrial-scale vacuum systems with filter hoppers for contaminated material handling
- High-reach boom lift operations for access to structural elements up to 28 metres
- Coordinated pressure washing with rotational water bowser supply ensuring continuous operations
- Environmental controls including FFP3 respiratory protection, disposable overalls, and plant nappy mats during refuelling
- Optional scaffold system with Enviro Wrap sheeting costed for enhanced dust control at building openings
Project Outcomes
The multi-phase restoration successfully transformed a heavily contaminated industrial facility into a clean, accessible building ready for future operations. All DSG waste was safely removed and disposed of with complete documentation, external vegetation cleared enabling full building access, and both internal structural elements and external cladding restored to specification—all completed without any safety incidents throughout the hazardous material handling operations.
Results Delivered:
- Scope: Complete building restoration from ground level through high-level structural elements to external cladding
- Waste Management: Full removal and documented disposal of DSG contaminated materials with complete waste transfer records
- Safety Record: Zero incidents throughout hazardous waste handling, high-level access operations, and mechanical plant operations
- Environmental Compliance: Comprehensive controls including respiratory protection, contamination prevention, and dust suppression measures
- Client Satisfaction: Works continued until full client approval achieved, followed by complete site clearance of all plant, equipment, and welfare units
Why This Project Succeeded
Comprehensive Project Planning: Working with York Safety Training from the outset ensured all hazards were identified, controlled, and managed throughout the multi-phase programme, with weekly audits reinforcing the safety-first culture.
Phased Execution Strategy: The systematic approach—progressing from low-level cleaning through high-level works, whilst running concurrent external operations—ensured efficient workflow whilst maintaining safety and quality standards at every stage.
Specialist Equipment & Expertise: Deployment of industrial-scale vacuum systems, multiple high-reach boom lifts, and coordinated plant operations demonstrated our capability to handle complex, large-scale industrial cleaning projects with the appropriate resources and technical expertise.
Collaborative Approach: Successful coordination with York Safety Training, Yorkshire Tree Surgeons, Mytum & Selby waste management, H Hall Plant Hire, and GO-Plant ensured seamless integration of specialist services throughout the project lifecycle.
Ready to Discuss Your Industrial Cleaning Project?
RM Contractors (UK) Ltd specialises in industrial building cleaning, hazardous waste removal, and high-level access works across complex industrial environments. Our fully equipped teams bring the expertise, plant resources, and safety management systems necessary for large-scale restoration projects. Contact us today to discuss your industrial cleaning requirements.
Project completed: 2019 | Services: Industrial Building Cleaning, DSG Waste Removal, High-Level Access Works, Hazardous Material Handling, Environmental Controls
