When removing asbestos from industrial sites, Altrad Services Benelux insists on uncompromising safety every single day: “We never take any risks. Our people must not be allowed to breathe even one particle of contaminated air," says Bart Notte, responsible for Special Services at Altrad. With this mindset, Altrad carried out thorough research, and finally found a solution that would guarantee absolute safety.
Safety comes first, work follows. For industrial service provider Altrad, safety is not merely a slogan, but a crucial part of daily practice. Each shift begins in the changing rooms, where teams put on their workwear and meticulously check their personal protective equipment: helmets, eye protection, gloves, masks... Of Altrad’s 200 local employees, around 50 specialise in asbestos removal —one of the most hazardous activities in industrial services. Before entering the work area, these specialists take additional safety precautions by wearing full-face respirator masks supplied with clean breathing air.
The challenge? Absolute certainty about the air quality
Bart Notte: “Our asbestos removal specialists work in confined spaces in which they can only operate using full-face masks connected to an external air supply”, Bart Notte explains. “Breathable air units are placed outdoors which draw in ambient air and supply it under pressure to the masks worn by our teams.”
A recent risk assessment, however, revealed a critical vulnerability. The breathable air units do not automatically monitor air quality for hazardous gases or vapours. And yet, in a complex industrial environment, the risk of leaks or unexpected emissions can never be fully excluded.
So how can you guarantee that the air supplied to the mask is always of the highest quality? And how do you prevent contaminated ambient air from entering the mask?
Specialists keep searching until they find a solution
In their search for a solution, Altrad turned to Vandeputte Safety Experts. "Because Vandeputte has supplied our PPE for many years. we already knew that they fully understand our needs”, says Bart. “They understand both the petrochemical environment and our safety objectives. Safety, flexibility and a focus on service are just as important to Vandeputte as they are to us. Moreover, they share our values and drive to keep moving forward together to find solutions."
At first glance, Altrad’s request seemed simple. But installing the gas detection devices, connecting them to the breathable air units, calibrating, monitoring and maintenance...? That was a different matter altogether, requiring a tailored and technically robust approach.
“When a customer asks me a question, I don’t just send out a product datasheet,” explains Krystina Pyl, Key Account Manager at Vandeputte Safety Experts. “I call them to fully understand what the real problem is, and what risks are involved. Only then can I propose a solution that truly benefits everyone. And that’s when I found out that a comprehensive, ready-made solution simply didn’t exist.”
So Krystina called in her colleagues, the product specialists and portfolio managers. Together, they went in search of a specialised partner. “This led to the WatchGas integrated gas detection solution, supplied by 7Solutions, and linked to the breathable air units. This was fully customised in terms of installation and service.
“I want to understand the risks involved. Only then can I propose a tailor-made solution that benefits everyone.”
Krystina Pyl, Key Account Manager at Vandeputte Safety Experts
A Greater Sense of Safety
With the new solution in place, Altrad’s asbestos teams benefit from two additional layers of protection. Ambient air is continuously monitored by the WatchGas detector, and if concentrations of hazardous gases exceed safe thresholds, the system intervenes automatically.
Bart has also noticed a change in awareness among his teams. “This solution reinforces the message that a mask alone can create a false sense of safety if you don’t know the quality of the air. By linking gas detection directly to the breathable air unit, our people can see that we are also actively monitoring that risk. This reinforces a sense of safety.”
And because Vandeputte Safety and 7Solutions are jointly responsible for annual maintenance, Altrad can rely on equipment that works correctly and is always fully operational. The solution fits seamlessly with the strict SCCP Petrochemicals framework, and supports Altrad’s own Beyond Zero ambition.
Because real safety in high-risk environments goes beyond simply wearing the right mask. It's about the certainty of knowing that each and every breath matters. And that, as a company, you surround yourself with partners who will safeguard that certainty.
“The most important thing is that Altrad employees work safely every day, and return home healthy every evening,” concludes says Krystina. “That's how we measure our solutions.”
"Vandeputte Safety understands the petrochemical environment and our safety goals. Moreover, they share our drive to move forward together and find solutions.”
Bart Notte, responsible for Special Services at Altrad
