INDUSTRIAL STEAM CLEANING
Transport For London - London, SE1
Client's Challenge
Transport for London required a thorough industrial steam cleaning solution for the concourse flooring areas and station footbridge at West Hampstead Overground Station.
As a live transport environment with consistently high passenger footfall, the cleaning programme needed to be delivered efficiently while maintaining safe public access and uninterrupted station operations. The client required a specialist contractor capable of restoring heavily trafficked floor
surfaces without compromising passenger safety or operational continuity.
Assessment & Planning
Prior to mobilisation, an APT ICC surveyor completed a full site survey to assess floor surface types, contamination levels, pedestrian flow, and access constraints across both concourse and footbridge areas.
A detailed risk assessment and safe working plan were produced to
protect station users, TfL personnel, and APT ICC operatives. The cleaning
methodology was selected to deliver a high standard of finish while supporting
off-peak working and continuous station operation.
Methodology
APT ICC delivered the works using a controlled, phased industrial steam cleaning approach suitable for public concourse environments.
The methodology included:
1. Isolation of work zones using barriers and signage to prevent public access.
2. Manual agitation where required to loosen stubborn, ground-in contamination.
3. Application of appropriate cleaning agents to assist in breaking down ingrained soiling.
4. Super-heated steam cleaning to lift contamination and sanitise floor surfaces effectively.
5. Progressive section-by-section completion to maintain safe passenger routes throughout the station.
This approach ensured a consistent finish while prioritising safety and operational continuity.
Site Access & Logistics
Equipment
• Industrial super-heated steam cleaning system (DOFF / steam cleaning
methodology)
• Manual cleaning aids for targeted agitation
• Pedestrian management equipment including barriers and signage
Chemicals
• Algae Free – APT Commercial Chemicals’ in-house treatment used
where required to assist organic contamination removal on exterior-influenced surfaces
All products used were APT Commercial Chemicals formulations, selected for effectiveness and suitability within public transport environments.
The Results
• Concourse and footbridge floors restored to a high cleanliness standard
• Ingrained and ground-in contamination successfully removed
• Passenger safety maintained throughout the works
• Station operations continued without disruption
• Improved presentation of a high-footfall public transport facility
The cleaning programme delivered a safer, cleaner, and more professional
environment for both passengers and station staff.
