Case Study: Historic Plaster Anthrax Risk Survey at Lansdowne Primary School

Historic background and objective of our Anthrax Survey

Sysco Environmental Ltd conducted a historic plaster anthrax risk survey at Lansdowne Primary School in Cardiff. The aim was to locate and identify the presence of any animal hair plaster, which could potentially contain Bacillus anthracis spores, ensuring the safety of workers and occupants during forthcoming roof repairs. Given that the school building is over a century old, having been established in 1898, the roof has suffered significant wear and tear over the years. As a result, extensive repairs are necessary to maintain the structural integrity and safety of the building. The roof's age and condition require a complete replacement, making it essential to assess any health risks associated with the historical materials used in the original construction.

This survey was crucial in ensuring that the repair work could be carried out safely, without exposing workers or students to potential anthrax contamination from the animal hair plaster often used in buildings of this era. By identifying and managing these risks, Sysco Environmental Ltd has helped pave the way for the safe and effective renovation of this historic educational institution.

The Lansdowne Primary School, located in Canton, Cardiff, boasts a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1898. Designed by the Cardiff architectural firm Veall & Sant, the school is a Victorian-era building that has remained largely unaltered over the years, showcasing fine workmanship and clever artistry.

During the First World War, Lansdowne Primary School was repurposed as a military hospital, only resuming its educational role in 1918. The school also experienced significant damage during the Second World War, particularly from incendiary bombs during a bombing raid in January 1941. Despite these challenges, the school continued to serve its community and underwent various renovations to preserve its historical integrity. Notably, in 2001, both the school and the adjacent School House were granted Grade II listed status, recognising their historical and architectural significance.

In more recent history, the school faced a proposed closure in 2007 by Cardiff Council to repurpose the site for a new Welsh medium primary school. However, this proposal was met with substantial opposition from parents and students. Today, Lansdowne Primary School continues to thrive, serving over 380 students and maintaining a strong connection with its heritage.

Historic Plaster Survey Scope and Methodology

 
At Sysco Environmental Ltd, our team took on a meticulous historic plaster survey at Lansdowne Primary School in Cardiff, ensuring everything was done by the book. We followed our Quality and Procedure Manuals to the letter, aligning with guidelines from the World Health Organization and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Our survey covered the internal walls and ceilings of the school’s main teaching blocks and ancillary buildings, specifically focusing on Blocks 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7.
 
 Animal Hair Plaster Survey Preparation and Planning

   - We start things off by digging into the building's history. This involves reviewing old records and construction documents to get a sense of the materials used and the age of the structure.
   - Next, we pinpoint areas likely to contain historic plaster based on the building's era and architectural style.
   - We determine the exact areas to be surveyed, such as walls, ceilings, and partitions.
   - We create access plans for all identified areas, noting any potential obstacles that could hinder our survey.
   - Developing a solid health and safety plan is crucial. This ensures the protection of both our surveyors and the building’s occupants.
   - All our surveyors are trained in handling potentially hazardous materials.
   - We prepare all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and containment materials before beginning the survey.
 
 Anthrax Survey Methodology
 
  - Our first step on-site is a thorough visual inspection. We're looking for any signs of animal hair in the plaster and documenting the condition of these materials, noting any cracks or deterioration.
   - Based on our visual findings, we select representative areas for sampling.
   - Using tools like chisels, sharp knives, and core samplers, we carefully collect bulk samples of the plaster.
   - To ensure accuracy, we take samples from various locations to account for any material variations.
   - Each sample is double-sealed in self-seal plastic bags to prevent contamination.
   - We label samples accurately with details about their location and condition.
   - These samples are then sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory for analysis to detect any Bacillus anthracis spores.
   - We keep detailed notes throughout the survey, including locations, material descriptions, and conditions.
   - A register of all areas containing historic plaster is created, noting any identified contaminants.
 

Health and Safety Considerations During Anthrax Surveys

 
- To minimize dust and contamination, we use atomiser sprays to dampen materials during sampling.
- Sampling areas are isolated to protect occupants and workers.
- We promptly clean up any debris and seal exposed materials.
- All surveyors wear appropriate PPE, including masks, gloves, and protective clothing, ensuring everything is correctly fitted and used throughout the survey.
 
 Potential Pitfalls During Historic Plaster Survey

  - Some areas might be inaccessible. We document these and assume they contain hazardous materials until proven otherwise.
  - We plan for safe access methods, such as ladders or scaffolding, as needed.
  - It's crucial to ensure samples are representative of the entire material, not just the surface.
  - We avoid cross-contamination by using clean tools and containers for each sample.
  - Lab analysis might not detect all contaminants if samples aren't representative. Multiple samples from different areas help mitigate this risk.
 
 
 Comprehensive Reporting of the Survey Data

- We compile a detailed report of our findings, including the location and condition of historic plaster and any contaminants found.
- Clear recommendations for managing identified risks are provided, such as removal or encapsulation of contaminated materials.
- A monitoring and re-inspection regime is established to manage the risk of hazardous materials over time.
- We ensure that building maintenance personnel are aware of the locations of historic plaster and associated risks.
- All survey activities comply with relevant health and safety legislation and guidelines, such as those from the HSE and WHO.
By following this comprehensive guide, our surveyors can effectively identify and manage historic plaster in buildings, ensuring the safety of workers and occupants while preserving the integrity of these historical structures.

Findings and Recommendations of our historic plaster anthrax survey

 
During the survey at Lansdowne Primary School, our team identified the presence of animal hair plaster in Blocks 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Fortunately, none of the samples tested positive for Bacillus anthracis contamination. Despite this, we recommend that all non-accessed areas be presumed contaminated until further verified. This comprehensive approach allowed us to conduct a thorough risk assessment, ensuring the roof repairs could proceed safely without compromising the health and safety of the building's occupants or workers.
 
Although no anthrax spores were found, our report emphasises the need for continuous monitoring and management of potentially hazardous materials. It is crucial to record details of any discovered animal hair plaster in a register and implement a re-inspection regime. Should any contaminated materials be discovered during future work, they must be handled and removed by qualified professionals under controlled conditions.
 
Sysco Environmental Ltd's historic plaster anthrax survey at Lansdowne Primary School highlights our rigorous and thorough approach to environmental risk assessment. By adhering to stringent health and safety protocols, we ensured that the planned roof repairs could be carried out without endangering anyone. This case study underscores the importance of meticulous planning and execution in managing potential environmental hazards in historical buildings, demonstrating our commitment to preserving historical integrity while prioritising safety.