Stanley Steam Car, Worcester Asbestos Removal Case Study

Project overview

City Environmental Services (UK) Ltd was trusted by a private collector to undertake specialist asbestos removal from a much- loved historic Stanley Steam Car in Worcester. The vehicle formed part of an important private collection and required asbestos thermal insulation to be carefully removed before export from the UK. The unusual nature of the project called for a licensed asbestos contractor capable of combining rigorous asbestos controls with the care, precision and workmanship required when operating around a rare and irreplaceable heritage vehicle.

Scope of works

• Controlled removal of asbestos thermal insulation associated with the Stanley Steam Car, undertaken before the vehicle was exported from the United Kingdom.

• Construction of a bespoke temporary enclosure and controlled work area around the vehicle, with protective sheeting and carefully managed access to safeguard the car and surrounding collection.

• Detailed environmental cleaning and independent analytical clearance on completion, allowing the vehicle to be released for onward preparation and export.

THE CHALLENGE

Unlike a conventional building-based asbestos project, the works had to be completed directly around a rare historic motor vehicle with significant private and heritage value. The asbestos insulation needed to be removed without damaging original mechanical components, finishes or fittings. Space within the collection area was restricted and the vehicle itself could not simply be treated as a standard work surface, so every stage required careful planning, controlled access and a high degree of manual precision.

HOW CES DELIVERED

CES designed a compact temporary enclosure around the Stanley Steam Car and protected the vehicle and surrounding floor before removal commenced. Our experienced operatives used controlled, low-disturbance techniques to remove the asbestos thermal insulation while working methodically around the original components. The work area was maintained under appropriate asbestos controls throughout, followed by detailed cleaning and independent analytical clearance before the vehicle was handed back to the owner.

Safety and quality controls

All asbestos works were undertaken in accordance with current UK asbestos legislation and industry best practice. Particular emphasis was placed on protecting the historic vehicle from accidental damage, controlling fibre release within a compact work area and maintaining a clean separation from the wider private collection. Independent UKAS-accredited analytical support was used to verify the effectiveness of the controls and support safe handover following completion.

Project outcome

The asbestos thermal insulation was successfully removed and the Stanley Steam Car was handed back ready for the next stage of its overseas export. The project was completed safely, carefully and without damage to the vehicle. CES was privileged to be trusted with such an unusual and valued piece of motoring history, and the project demonstrates our ability to deliver specialist asbestos removal where heritage value, precision and protection of irreplaceable assets are every bit as important as technical asbestos expertise.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“From the outset, CES understood that this was not an ordinary asbestos removal job. The Stanley is a very important part of my collection and I needed complete confidence that the work would be carried out safely without risking damage to the vehicle. The team were careful, professional and respectful throughout, and I was extremely pleased with the way the project was managed from start to finish.”