What does chemical plant decommissioning involve?

Decommissioning typically includes plant isolation, hazardous material identification and removal, chemical and sludge extraction, tank and pipeline cleaning, decontamination, safe demolition, and compliant waste management, all delivered under CDM 2015 and COMAH where applicable.

Do you operate in COMAH-regulated environments?

Yes. Qualitech has extensive experience working on COMAH sites, liaising with HSE and environmental bodies, ensuring full compliance and robust safety management throughout project delivery.

Can you remove explosive or sensitive substances like ISDN?

Yes. We have successfully managed secondary explosives such as isosorbide di-nitrate (ISDN), using phased reduction strategies, remote-operated equipment, strict safety protocols, and coordination with regulatory authorities.

Do you provide end-to-end demolition and waste management?

We provide a complete service from decontamination and tank cleaning to demolition, waste segregation, transportation, and disposal at licensed facilities. We also issue the required certification and documentation upon completion.

Can work be completed while parts of the site remain operational?

Yes, where safe and practical. We plan works in phases, reduce risk through isolation and segregation, and coordinate with your operations team to minimise disruption while maintaining full safety compliance.

Do you cover the whole of the UK and provide emergency response?

Yes. We provide 24/7 nationwide coverage with rapid response capabilities and a large specialist fleet. Contact us on 01942 277 277 (North), 01633 252 642 (South), or 01429 279831 (North East).

Decommissioning and Demolition Services

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Decommissioning and Demolition Services

Specialists in Chemical Plant Decommissioning & Demolition

Qualitech has extensive experience delivering safe, compliant decommissioning and demolition across chemical plants and industrial infrastructure. From tank cleaning and COMAH-regulated clearance to full site remediation, we plan, manage, and execute every step with safety and environmental responsibility at the core.

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Case Study:

Decommissioning of Abandoned API Manufacturing Facility (North Wales)

Following the sudden closure of an API manufacturing facility in North Wales, Qualitech was commissioned to safely decontaminate and remediate the site for sale. The site contained a range of hazardous materials, including a secondary explosive — isosorbide di-nitrate (ISDN) — as named in the Explosives Regulations 2005.

The Challenge

Unknown quantities of ISDN stored across the site, some of which was contaminated
Large volumes of bulk chemicals, effluent, residues, and sludges
Limited operational records and no access to the former management team
All work had to be carried out with minimal personnel and equipment due to explosive risk

Our Solution

Phased decontamination approach prioritising ISDN risk reduction
Close coordination with HSE, Natural Resources Wales, emergency services
Use of remote robotic equipment to remove ISDN-contaminated sludge safely
Over 3,000 tonnes of chemical waste and arisings removed safely
Delivery fully compliant with CDM 2015

Outcome

After three years of disciplined, safety-led work, the facility was remediated and made safe for future use without incident.

"I am pleased to say that at the end of the project and after 3 years of sustained effort and hard work, QES has successfully remediated the former Euticals site... It was undoubtedly the most complex chemical plant remediation and partial demolition project we have ever undertaken."
— Andy Collier, Director, QES

What We Deliver

Full site decontamination & remediation
Tank and vessel cleaning (man-entry & non-entry)
Pipeline & pump cleaning and removal
Hazardous chemical identification & removal
Explosive and controlled substance handling (e.g., ISDN)
Waste segregation, treatment & compliant disposal
Demolition in COMAH/regulated environments
CDM 2015-compliant project delivery

Why Qualitech?

ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 accredited
Experienced in high-risk chemical environments
24/7 UK coverage
WJA-trained operatives
End-to-end project management

Need Help with Chemical Plant Decommissioning?

We manage hazardous decommissioning projects across the UK — safely, compliantly, and efficiently.

Northern: 01942 277 277 | Southern: 01633 252 642 | North East: 01429 279831

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Contact Us

Northern Tel: 01942 277 277

Southern Tel: 01633 252 642

N East Tel: 01429 279831

Decommissioning & Demolition – FAQs

Decommissioning typically includes plant isolation, hazardous chemical identification and removal, tank and pipeline cleaning, decontamination, safe demolition, and compliant waste management. All works are planned and delivered under CDM 2015 and, where applicable, COMAH regulations.

Yes. Our teams have extensive experience on COMAH sites, working in close coordination with the HSE, environment agencies, and emergency services to ensure safety and full regulatory compliance throughout each phase of the project.

Yes. We have successfully managed projects involving secondary explosives such as isosorbide di-nitrate (ISDN). Our approach includes phased risk reduction, remote-operated sludge removal, strict process controls, and ongoing liaison with regulators.

Yes. We provide end-to-end services including decontamination, tank cleaning and removal, pipeline and pump decommissioning, controlled demolition, waste segregation, transport, and disposal at licensed facilities. All certificates and documentation are supplied upon completion.

In many cases, yes. We plan works in phases, isolate areas, and coordinate with your operations team to minimise disruption while maintaining full safety and environmental compliance.

Yes. We provide 24/7 nationwide coverage with rapid-response capabilities supported by a large fleet and experienced teams. Call 01942 277 277 (North), 01633 252 642 (South), or 01429 279831 (North East).