Do You Have To Be Licensed To Remove Chrysotile Asbestos In Hampshire?

Asbestos removal is a highly specialized field that requires knowledge, training, and licensing to ensure safe and effective removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials until the 1990s when it was discovered to be a carcinogen. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause severe illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a professional asbestos removal company in Hampshire that provides safe and affordable asbestos removal services. With many years of experience in the industry, we understand the risks and hazards associated with asbestos removal and the importance of proper licensing and training.

Licensed vs. Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Works

The law requires that all asbestos removal work must be carried out by a licensed contractor or by trained non-licensed contractors who work under the supervision of a licensed contractor. As the risk of asbestos exposure is high, it is important to ensure that the company you hire is qualified and experienced in handling asbestos removal.

Licensed Asbestos Removal Works

Licensed asbestos removal works are those that involve removing any type of asbestos material. It can be friable (easily crumbled when dry) or non-friable (not easily crumbled when dry). Friable asbestos is more dangerous than non-friable asbestos because the fibers are more likely to become airborne, making them easier to inhale.

Licensed asbestos removal works include:

• Any asbestos removal work on sprayed coatings, pipe insulation, and asbestos insulation boards
• Any work on asbestos lagging, including the removal of insulation around oil and gas boilers and associated pipes, and calorifiers
• Any work on asbestos-containing fuse boards, panels, and other electrical components
• Any work on asbestos cement products, including roof sheets and tiles, gutters, downpipes, and flues

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Works

Non-licensed asbestos removal works are those that involve removing certain types of low-risk asbestos-containing materials. These materials can be removed without a license as long as they are in good condition and are not going to be damaged or broken during removal. Non-licensed asbestos removal works include:

• Removing asbestos cement products, such as roof sheets and tiles, gutters, and downpipes, as long as they are in good condition.
• Removing asbestos-containing materials that are incidental to other work, such as removing a small amount of asbestos during a renovation or demolition project.
• Repairs and maintenance work on non-friable asbestos materials, such as asbestos cement.

Health Risks of Asbestos

Working with asbestos can be hazardous to health, and exposure to asbestos can cause several serious health problems. The most serious of these is mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall, or abdomen.

Other health risks associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain
• Pleural thickening, scarring of the membranes surrounding the lungs, which can lead to breathing difficulties

Asbestos exposure is a significant health concern, and it is important to take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from exposure.

Notifiable Non-Licensed Asbestos Work

If you are planning to carry out non-licensed asbestos removal work that is notifiable, you must inform the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before you start work. This type of work includes any removal of asbestos insulation, asbestos coating, or asbestos insulation board.

You must also keep records of the work you have carried out, including details of the materials removed and the measures taken to prevent asbestos exposure.

Areas That Require Licensed Asbestos Removal Works

Certain areas of a property may require licensed asbestos removal works due to the increased risks of inhalation exposure. These include areas that are:

• Confined spaces
• Poorly ventilated
• Have large amounts of friable asbestos
• Contain asbestos insulation

If you are unsure if an area requires licensed asbestos removal works, contact our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. We can advise you on the best course of action and provide affordable and efficient asbestos removal services.

Type of Asbestos

Asbestos comes in different types, with the most common being chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile asbestos is the most common type of asbestos found in buildings, accounting for around 95% of all asbestos-containing materials.

While chrysotile asbestos is less dangerous than other types of asbestos, it is still a significant health risk if not handled properly. It is essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire to ensure safe and efficient removal of chrysotile asbestos.

Courses for Asbestos Removal

For employers and workers involved in asbestos removal work, it is essential to undertake appropriate courses that will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely with asbestos. Several accredited courses are available, including:

• UKATA Asbestos Awareness Course: This course provides the necessary knowledge and skills to identify asbestos-containing materials, the risks associated with exposure, and the control measures required to prevent exposure.
• BOHS P402 Asbestos Surveying Course: This course is designed for those responsible for conducting asbestos surveys to identify asbestos-containing materials in buildings.
• BOHS P405 Asbestos Management Course: This course provides the knowledge and skills required to manage asbestos in buildings, including identifying materials that contain asbestos, assessing the risks of exposure, and developing appropriate management strategies.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, our team is trained and licensed in all aspects of asbestos removal, ensuring that we provide safe and efficient services to our clients.

How to Find a Licensed Asbestos Removal Company

When looking for an asbestos removal company, it is essential to check that they are licensed and insured to carry out asbestos removal work. You can check their credentials by asking for their license number and insurance details.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are licensed and insured to carry out both licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal work. We provide affordable and reliable services to our clients, ensuring their properties are safe and free from asbestos.

Many Useful Information About Asbestos

There is a lot of useful information available about asbestos, including how to identify asbestos-containing materials, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and the measures required to work safely with asbestos. Some useful resources include:

• HSE: The Health and Safety Executive provides comprehensive guidance on working with asbestos and how to manage the risks associated with it.
• Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA): This trade association provides information, training, and accreditation to asbestos removal contractors and ensures that they adhere to strict standards of safety and quality.
• The Asbestos Information Centre: This website provides information on how to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials and what to do if you suspect that your property contains asbestos.

Country Asbestos Services

Asbestos is prevalent in many properties across the country, and it is essential to ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are removed safely and efficiently. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire provides asbestos removal services across Hampshire and the South East England.

Our team is trained and licensed to handle all types of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring that our clients' properties are safe and asbestos-free. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services or to book a consultation.

Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information on our company and services. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about asbestos removal. We are here to provide affordable and efficient asbestos removal services to our clients in Hampshire and the South East England.