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Wielders of Power Unveiled

Following the identification of asbestos at the 'Nordstraße' subway station, a plan for asbestos abatement has been established. The extensive ongoing work is predicted to continue until the year's end. It's only post the elimination of asbestos and sanitization that the real modernization of...

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4 min read
Exercising Authority or Power
Exercising Authority or Power

Wielders of Power Unveiled

In the heart of the city, the Nordstraße U-Bahn station is undergoing a significant transformation. The renovation project, which includes modernizing the fire protection system, has revealed the presence of asbestos fibers. Here's a comprehensive look at the steps being taken to ensure the safety of passengers and workers during the asbestos removal process and the subsequent construction.

  1. Initial Assessment and Planning
  2. Trained and accredited personnel have conducted an asbestos inspection to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at the bus stop site.
  3. A written Asbestos Management Plan has been developed, outlining the removal scope, procedures, and safety measures, in compliance with regulations such as the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and Asbestos National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
  4. Safety Measures Before and During Removal
  5. Public transit users and workers have been notified about the project, and access to the affected area is restricted using barriers and warning signage.
  6. All asbestos removal workers hold proper accreditation and training in asbestos handling.
  7. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection are being used.
  8. A decontamination zone has been established for workers to exit without spreading asbestos fibers.
  9. Measures like wetting ACMs before and during removal are being employed to minimize airborne asbestos fibers.
  10. Negative air pressure enclosures and HEPA-filtered vacuums are being used to control fiber release if feasible.
  11. Asbestos Removal Process
  12. Careful removal of all identified ACMs is being carried out following containment and safety protocols.
  13. ACMs are not being broken into small fragments to limit fiber release.
  14. Removed materials are immediately placed into sealed, labeled, and leak-tight containers for transportation to a licensed asbestos disposal facility.
  15. Cleaning and Clearance
  16. The area is being thoroughly cleaned using HEPA-filter vacuums and wet wiping of surfaces to remove any residual fibers.
  17. An independent third-party air clearance test is being conducted to ensure asbestos fibers are below acceptable levels before resuming use of the site.
  18. Preparation of an activity log and maintenance of all records of removal, transport, and disposal activities are being done for regulatory compliance.
  19. Subsequent Construction Work
  20. After clearance, reconstruction or renovation of the bus stop can proceed.
  21. Non-combustible floor coverings will be laid on the platform and in the distribution levels during the construction work.
  22. Jochen Kral, Mobility and Environment Commissioner, has stated that ensuring health safety is the top priority.

It is essential to note that there is no health risk to passengers and vehicle drivers, even with open windows, as recently confirmed by experts. If asbestos fibers are detected after the cleaning process, the process will start again. The cleaning process is similar to vacuuming and wiping dust at home. An external expert office is accompanying the measure through further measurements. A "clean zone" with locks will be installed at the "Nordstraße" bus stop.

During the renovation, the Rheinbahn U78 and U79 lines will continue passing through the "Nordstraße" bus stop at reduced speed. The entire bus stop will undergo a thorough cleaning covering approximately 6,500 square meters after all ceiling elements have been removed. The station, completed in 1981, will receive a smoke-permeable stretch metal grid ceiling on the platform level and parts of the distribution level. The actual construction work for the modernization of the fire protection in the Nordstraße U-Bahn station can only begin after the completion of the asbestos removal and successful thorough cleaning.

  1. Specialists carrying out an asbestos inspection have identified asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at the bus stop site as part of the initial assessment and planning for the U-Bahn station renovation.
  2. A comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan has been developed, detailing the removal scope, procedures, and safety measures to comply with regulations such as the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and Asbestos National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
  3. For everyone's safety, the public and construction workers have been notified and access to the affected area is restricted, using barriers and warning signage.
  4. All asbestos removal workers are trained and hold proper accreditation, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection during the removal process.
  5. A decontamination zone has been established for workers to exit without spreading asbestos fibers, with measures like wetting ACMs before and during removal, and using HEPA-filtered vacuums to minimize airborne asbestos fibers.
  6. Asbestos removal follows containment and safety protocols, with careful removal of ACMs, immediate placement into sealed, labeled, and leak-tight containers, and transportation to a licensed asbestos disposal facility.
  7. The renovated bus stop will have non-combustible floor coverings on the platform and in the distribution levels during construction work to maintain safety standards.
  8. The construction work for modernizing the fire protection in the Nordstraße U-Bahn station can only begin after the completion of asbestos removal, thorough cleaning, asbestos fiber clearance, and successful regulatory compliance.

Additionally, it's crucial to note that there's no health risk to passengers or drivers as the asbestos removal process proceeds, and the open windows do not pose a risk as recently confirmed by experts. Moreover, if asbestos fibers are detected after the cleaning, the process will start again. The cleaning process is similar to vacuuming and wiping dust at home. An external expert office monitors the measure through further measurements, and a "clean zone" will be installed at the "Nordstraße" bus stop.

Lastly, the Rheinbahn U78 and U79 lines will continue passing through the "Nordstraße" bus stop at reduced speed during the renovation. The entire bus stop will undergo a thorough cleaning covering approximately 6,500 square meters after all ceiling elements have been removed. The station, completed in 1981, will receive a smoke-permeable stretch metal grid ceiling on the platform level and parts of the distribution level. Once completed, the U-Bahn station will contribute to aspects of lifestyle, general news, and local business, as well as incorporating technology to enhance the travel experience for passengers.

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