Do Contractors Have To Test For Asbestos In Hampshire?

If you are a contractor in Hampshire, you may be wondering whether you have to test for asbestos before starting any work. It's important to understand the risks associated with asbestos, and to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals, which were commonly used in the construction industry until the 1980s. It is a highly hazardous material that is linked to various health conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they release asbestos fibres into the air which can be inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. Once inhaled, these fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause serious health problems.

Asbestos Survey

Before any building or renovation work takes place, an asbestos survey must be carried out to identify any ACMs present in the building. The survey will highlight any potential risks so that precautions can be taken to protect workers and members of the public. Depending on the nature of the work, a management or demolition survey may be necessary.

Must Contractors Test for Asbestos?

As a contractor, you have a legal obligation to protect yourself and those around you from the risks associated with ACMs. Therefore, it is important to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are identified and that appropriate measures are taken to manage or remove them.

Depending on the nature of the work, you may be required to test for asbestos before starting. For example, if you are carrying out any work that could disturb ACMs, such as drilling, cutting, or sanding, you must undertake an asbestos survey to identify any risks.

Work Safely and Take Necessary Precautions

If you are carrying out any work that could disturb ACMs, it is important to take appropriate precautions in order to avoid releasing asbestos fibres into the air. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), working in a well-ventilated area, and using the correct tools and equipment.

In addition, you should ensure that all workers and members of the public in the vicinity are protected from the risks associated with asbestos exposure. This may involve erecting barriers or establishing exclusion zones, and notifying anyone in the vicinity of the work being carried out.

Licensed Asbestos Essentials

If you are undertaking licensed asbestos work, you must ensure that you are licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and that you have the necessary training, equipment, and insurance to undertake the work safely. This includes complying with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) and following the HSE's Approved Code of Practice.

Non-Licensed Asbestos Work

If you are carrying out non-licensed asbestos work, you still have a legal obligation to manage the risks associated with ACMs. You should ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and training to undertake the work safely, and that you comply with the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Available Asbestos Testing

If you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, it is recommended that you have it tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can provide the necessary testing services to determine whether a material contains asbestos.

Examples of Non-Licensed Work

Examples of non-licensed work include:

• Removing asbestos cement (AC) roof sheets
• Working with textured decorative coatings (Artex)
• Drilling holes in asbestos-containing materials
• Removing asbestos-containing floor tiles

Asbestos Testing and Risk Management

Asbestos testing and risk management are essential for protecting workers and members of the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Not only is it a legal requirement for contractors, but it also helps to safeguard your business from any potential litigation.

If you are a contractor in Hampshire, it is essential that you take the necessary precautions to manage the risks associated with ACMs. This includes having an asbestos survey carried out, testing any suspect materials, and taking the appropriate measures to safely carry out any work that may disturb ACMs.

Employers Must Be Prepared

Employers have a legal obligation to protect employees and members of the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure. This includes providing the necessary training, equipment, and insurance, as well as carrying out regular risk assessments and adhering to the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Insurance Number

If you are carrying out licensed asbestos work, you must have the necessary insurance in place to cover any potential liabilities. This includes Employers' Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance.

How To Get Started In Hampshire?

If you are planning to carry out any work in Hampshire that may involve asbestos, it is essential that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from the risks associated with ACMs. This includes having an asbestos survey carried out and testing any suspect materials.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can provide the necessary services to help you manage the risks associated with asbestos exposure. We offer asbestos testing services, asbestos surveys, and remediation services in Hampshire and the surrounding areas.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about our services, or if you require any assistance with managing the risks associated with ACMs, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our team of experts are on hand to help you carry out work safely and in compliance with the latest regulations and guidelines in Hampshire and South East England.