Full laboratory clearance and decontamination for a Russell Group university

Summary

Over three months in 2026, Pegasus delivered a comprehensive chemical clearance and decontamination programme across a Russell Group university laboratory complex, approximately 1,000 rooms across eight buildings, preparing the site for full strip-out and demolition. A large-scale, high-risk programme delivered on time, on budget and without a single incident.

The challenge

Clearing a decommissioned laboratory complex means confronting the unknown: legacy and unidentified chemicals accumulated over decades, in this case some dating back to 1912, spread across 1,000 rooms, with multiple contractors working concurrently on a live demolition-prep site. Everything had to be identified, made safe and removed before strip-out could begin.

What we do

Pegasus deployed an on-site team of up to five specialists daily to systematically decontaminate every laboratory, office, fume hood and workbench. Our chemists collected, identified, catalogued, packaged and arranged disposal for over 20 tonnes of laboratory chemicals.

For unknown and legacy materials, we applied a structured, risk-based approach, drawing on historical room usage, laboratory function and direct engagement with academic staff. Robust access control and clear communication protocols kept everyone safe alongside the other contractors on site.

Beyond the core scope

The client also instructed several out-of-scope works, all managed as formal variations and delivered directly by Pegasus: removal and decontamination of around 8 tonnes of Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) equipment, 30 tonnes of WEEE, and clearance of gas cylinder stores. The MBE stream had no readily available disposal route in the required timescale, so we allocated a dedicated in-house project team to develop a compliant, practical solution and bring the programme back on track, to the university’s satisfaction.

The results

Completed on time, within budget and without incident, proof of our capability to deliver large-scale, high-risk chemical clearance programmes. All core services were delivered directly by Pegasus, with approved partners used solely for onward treatment and final disposal.