Vogal Group completed a comprehensive industrial pre-demolition project at a decommissioned chemical manufacturing facility. This critical preparation stage ensures the site is fully optimised for a safe, seamless, and environmentally responsible demolition.
We addressed all process-related assets, including equipment, piping, utilities, electrical systems, instrumentation, and vessels. Through meticulous planning and cross-functional coordination, we upheld the highest safety standards and mitigated all environmental risks. This success was driven by a close collaboration between our team, the customer, and a network of specialist approved suppliers.
Our industrial pre-demolition projects begin with rigorous site surveys to establish a precise plan of action. This project was executed in full compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), ensuring that health, safety, and welfare were managed proactively from inception to completion.
The Preparation of Equipment for Maintenance (POEFM) phase of decommissioning focused on asset preservation and environmental safety:
- Assets excluded from the demolition scope were cleared, decontaminated, and physically isolated from the workspace for mothballing or preservation.
- To prevent cross-contamination during strip-out, clean areas were protected using negative air pressure systems, specialised barriers, or sealed enclosures. These created a secure containment buffer for hazardous dust.
Air-gapping the pipe bridges was a critical undertaking, establishing a physical separation between assets scheduled for demolition and those remaining in service. This process ensured structural integrity and prevented accidental damage to live systems. At the project’s outset, the bridges supported a complex network of unidentified M&E services, including gas, water, electricity, and vital infrastructure for PLC, ADT Fire & CCTV, IT/Data, and site telephony. These were systematically isolated to ensure no live utilities entered the demolition zone. Key execution Steps included:
- Electrical cables were terminated, disconnected, and tagged to provide a verifiable 'air-gapped' status.
- Gas and chemical lines were valved off, physically disconnected, and purged of hazardous residues.
- Utilities were terminated at the CDM boundary to eliminate the risk of strikes during demolition.
- Our mechanical team managed contract lifts to remove bridge sections, creating clear, visible gaps.
- Every air gap was positioned to be easily observable by supervisors and plant operators, ensuring total site safety.
Prior to the main demolition, our team successfully decontaminated two industrial fire pits. Utilising specialised crane-slung cleaning arms and rigorous waste-sampling protocols, we cleared all standing water and debris. This ensured the fire pits were safe and ready for the follow-on demolition phase.
Partner with an established M&E team for your next industrial pre-demolition project - Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
