The Demolition of the Soaps Tower, Baker Petrolite
January 7, 2010 by Michael · Leave a Comment
In November 2009 MJ Finnigan completed the demolition of the Soaps Tower Building at Baker Hughes in Kirkby. The project was one of the most technically challenging that we have undertaken to date. Throughout the 8 week project we have to demonstrate a consistent high degree of professionalism in complying the the stringent site safety standards and rules. We had to liaise on a daily basis with the site production staff and senior Baker Hughes personnel.
This was a very high profile project for the company and was carried out under the CDM Regulations. The location of the building due for demolition presented a number of challenges from a health, safety, environmental as well as production point of view. Some of the hazards that were identified and controlled were exposure to asbestos, working at heights, electrical hazards, major fire risk and line of fire.
The demolition was conducted with minimum disruption to the 24 hours a day 7 day a week production activities. The majority of the project was done under hot work permit. This was a great achievement for our team which displayed a cautious approach to site conditions throughout, carrying out the activities in a safe manner in compliance with this top tie COMAH site.
The maintenance manager on site was very complementary saying:- “please convey our thanks to all involved with your company. This is the 2nd time we have used the services of MJ Finnigan Ltd and it is our further intention to use them again.”
Restrictive Boundaries Demolition, United Reform Church
June 1, 2009 by Michael · Leave a Comment
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- Buses in close proximity to site
The school adjoined the main church building which was to remain and fronted directly onto Stockport Road which is widely recognised as one of the busiest main road in and out of Manchester City Centre. Further restrictions were found on the other two elevations which included a number of live commercial outlets to the left and a densely populated residential area to the rear.
The structure was a 20 metre tall building with a 45 degree roof supported on curved timber support beams. The nature of the buildings construction and the surrounding environment made deconstruction and hand demolition the only feasible method.
The building was fully enclosed with an independent scaffold support system which was also debris netted on all elevations. This allowed operative to work from the scaffold and carry out the hand demolition along the Stockport Road Elevation. The timber support beams were carefully lifted out by our specialist high reach demolition excavator leaving the four external walls to be dismantled by hand.
The stone facia to the front of the Church was salvaged for future re use in the next stage of the development, as was other items of historical interest to the Church such as the stained glass windows, and a number of ancient tiles bearing the names of its founder members.
Brian Stafford the Clients site manager was very complimentary upon completion of the works. “The building was demolished with care and consideration for the local neighbours and was taken down in a safe manner reducing the risk of collapse.”
Demolition of Bureau Veritas Site
February 2, 2009 by Michael · Leave a Comment
MJ Finnigan Limited have recently completed their most extensive contracts to date. The works included the demolition of three large buildings on the former Bureau Veritas /AMTAC Laboratory industrial estate in Broadheath, Manchester.
The complex demolition on the 3 acre site presented many challenges to the company. One of the major issues on site is the restrictive boundaries on three elevations. This has necessitated careful planning and protection measures along the Manchester Ship Canal where one of the industrial units runs immediately along the canal bank.
The complex method of works was agreed with the canal owners, Peel Holdings and necessitated the sitting of a pontoon within the canal to provide additional protection to the live canal which was in use throughout the contract period.
There was also busy airport car parking business immediately next door to the western elevation and a busy sports playing field on the other site boundary.
The contract also included for careful diversion of BT and electrical services which served the airport car parking business.
The contract commenced with the removal of notifiable asbestos materials found within the Bureau Veritas Laboratory building. This was carried out by ARCA trained operatives and clean air certificates were issued. The site also had quite an extensive amount of bonded asbestos cement sheeting on all the roof elevations. This was removed by trained operatives working from MEWP’s.
The Management called for regular Safety Audits of the site, weekly Tool Box Talks with regards to safety, regular Method Statement Induction courses for all Operatives on site, fortnightly Progress and Safety Meetings with the client. Regular auditing was undertaken to ensure that the Project Management procedures were followed. The 9 week Project was completed on time to the client’s full satisfaction with no injuries, accidents, or incident to members of staff or the public.
Demolition of Orchard House on behalf of Westshield
December 19, 2008 by Michael · Leave a Comment
MJ Finnigan Limited continues to go from strength to strength with an ever expanding client list.
We have recently completed the demolition and site remediation works at involved with a mulit million pound residential scheme being led by Westshield homes. This project was made all the more high profile by the previous land owner, Mr Colin Bell the former Manchester City and England Football Star.
“Our lads were very keen when they heard about this contract, all the city fans have suddenly started arriving for work early” joked the project manager Michael Finnigan.
“Personally I have really enjoyed this contract as I am a big united fan! Joking aside It has been a privilege to be involved with the scheme”. Michael added.
The house was of a modern, open-plan design built out of random sized York stone. The demolition was undertaken in a controlled piecemeal fashion in order to allow for as much salvage of the original stone work as possible.
Mr Laurie Bradley the Land owner of the client had some kind words upon completion of the project:-
“We were happy to see your responsible and vigilant approach to Health, Safety and Environmental issues which are of paramount importance to us.
And many thanks for carefully removing the Bell shaped stone at the building entrance, I’m sure Colin will be very happy it has been protected and saved.
Your overall response and delivery has been excellent ensuring an accident and incident free project completed on time. “
With the Bells’ chalet-style home has already been demolished and, in its place, developers Westshield Homes are building a 21st century house that would suit any of today’s multi-millionaire footballers.
Wythenshaw Football Club
November 26, 2008 by Michael · Leave a Comment
MJ Finnigan have recently completed the demolition and site remediation works at Wythenshawe FC as part of the £700,000 development in the grass roots club which has been funded through three different funding partners:
- Sport England Community Club Development Programme
- The Football Foundation
- Wythenshawe Town
MJ Finnigan completed the demolition of the existing clubhouse to make way for the proposed new construction which will house 4 changing rooms, with associated shower and toilet facilities, 2 referee’s rooms, a First Aid room, plus a storage area.
The site was also located in the heart of Wythenshawe which is the largest residential council estate in Europe thus arrangements were made to ensure that a co-ordinated approach was adopted to traffic management, segregation of the public from the demolition/construction areas and security arrangements.
This was done through close liaison with all parties involved including senior officials at the club. Careful consideration had to be given to the public and site operatives prior to commencement on site. The works were also carefully sequenced to avoid any risks during match days.
With all preparatory works in place the demolition began. The first stage of the demolition programme was soft stripping which was conducted by trained operatives A type three asbestos survey had been commissioned with no notifiable results however operatives remained vigilant throughout the works. There was a requirement to remove asbestos cement products to the roof structure and the boiler rooms which was done all in line with current legislative requirements.
Once all soft strip and asbestos had been removed from site the main structural demolition was completed by a 360 degree excavator fitted with a grab attachment.
MJ Finnigan is happy to report that the contract was completed on time and to full satisfaction of all parties involved.
