Enquin were successful in tendering for a new Asbestos Management Survey for the National Library of Wales, located in Aberystwyth, via Sell 2 Wales. The National Library of Wales is the largest in Wales, holding over 6.5 million books and periodicals as well as the largest collection of archives, portraits, maps and photographic images in Wales.

Opportunity

Despite having historic Asbestos Management Surveys, the Head of Estates wanted a new survey to be undertaken of the building consisting of circa 38,000m2 of floor area, comprising interconnected building sections. These sections have been constructed in various stages over the last 100 years, with the building founded in 1907.

Enquin identified further opportunity to provide Asbestos Management Solutions via our live asbestos database/client portal, which we agreed to include as part of the package, enhancing the National Library of Wales’ Asbestos Management Systems.

Initial client site meetings were undertaken, outlining the approach to the survey, which would work around a live-in-use building by both library employees and members of the public.  So any asbestos-containing materials and their data could be effectively managed, and the designation and boundary line of each section of the building were agreed upon. This allowed a report to be issued for each section – the data across the site could then be easily and effectively managed going forward.
During the survey, care and planning were required to ensure public events were not affected via close liaison with the on-site maintenance team.  Surveying of the confined space duct system was undertaken out of hours on weekends by a dedicated confined spaces access team so the building could remain operational.
Post survey training was given to the Head of Estates on the use of the client portal database, allowing for effective Asbestos Management.