Background

Sanctus was instructed by MJ Church to undertake the sampling of drainage pipes suspected to contain asbestos located within the Highways England, M48 motorway. The drainage was located within the central reservation of the East and West bound carriageways, which required altering to facilitate the removal of the former toll plaza and re-alignment of the motorway on the western side. The potential asbestos contained within the pipework posed significant human health risks to operatives undertaking the works and therefore required the expertise offered by a fully licensed specialist asbestos and remediation contractor.

The M48 is a busy motorway connecting the Severn Bridge crossing to Wales, providing a vital link for businesses and communities. The works being undertaken by MJ Church were required to improve the flow of traffic and accelerate the travel times for motorists.

Due to their location and the high volume of traffic on the road, the drainage network could only be accessed during night-time and weekend closures.

Sanctus Works

As one of the country’s leading asbestos remediation contractors Sanctus undertook the works in accordance with our 3 Year Unconditional License to undertake works with Asbestos, as issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Sanctus produced site specific risk assessments and method statements detailing how the investigation and sampling would be undertaken in accordance with current regulations, including Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, as well as Highways England policies and procedures.


Significant advanced planning and sensitive stakeholder liaison was required to ensure that the works would proceed without any delays which could have then prevented the asset being re-opened to traffic. It was also essential for the safety of all operatives involved.


The drainage network had to be accessed through several access chambers along a 400m length of carriageway. Personnel were therefore required to hold confined spaces Level 2 training for safe access.

The Sanctus site team ensured that each location was set up with rescue equipment installed and inspected. Safety briefings were provided to personnel at each location prior to entry. Once the chamber covers were removed, they were monitored continuously for a minimum of 15 minutes using Crowcon gas detectors.

Once deemed safe to access, the Sanctus Environmental Engineer entered each location with the required escape breathing apparatus, gas monitor and asbestos RPE and PPE, including Type 5/6 Category 3 coveralls and half mask respirators with FFP3 filters.

Bulk samples of material suspected to contain asbestos were safely collected in accordance with methodologies outlined in industry guidance document HSG264: The Survey Guide.

A total of 14 samples were obtained and sent to a UKAS accredited, independent laboratory for analysis.
Sanctus provided the survey findings confirming the presence of asbestos and helping the Client to prepare accordingly before construction works commenced.