Do You Have To Notify Hse If Removing Asbestos in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. It was cheap, durable, and had excellent insulation properties. Unfortunately, it was also found to be extremely harmful to human health, and asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer have claimed thousands of lives over the years.

If you are planning to remove asbestos from your property in Hampshire, you may be wondering whether you need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The short answer is that it depends on the circumstances. In this article, we'll explain when notification is required and when it isn't, and provide some essential information to help you stay safe when dealing with asbestos.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are licensed asbestos removal contractors based in Hampshire. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry and are fully equipped to deal with all types of asbestos removal projects. We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable asbestos removal services to our clients across Hampshire and the South East of England.

To get in touch with us, give us a call on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services and to request a free quote.

The Need for Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that is dangerous when it's airborne. It can cause serious lung diseases when inhaled, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The material was used extensively in the construction of buildings, homes, and other structures before it was banned in the UK in 1999. Asbestos may still be present today in many buildings, especially those constructed before 2002.

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, you should not attempt to remove it yourself. Asbestos removal is a hazardous task that requires specialized equipment, training, and experience to do safely. Attempting to remove asbestos on your own could put you, your family, and anyone else who may come into contact with the material at risk.

Asbestos Notification Requirements Still Apply

If you are planning to remove asbestos from your property, you may be required to notify the HSE. The law in the UK requires anyone who plans to carry out work with asbestos to notify the HSE at least 14 days before any work begins.

However, there are two situations where notification is not required:

• If the asbestos-containing material is non-licensed (NLW) and less than 10m² in area.

• If the asbestos-containing material is non-licensed (NLW) and less than 1m² in area, but is in a larger area of non-asbestos material that will be removed or disturbed during the work.

Suitable Control Measures Must Be in Place

If notification is required or not, you must still put in place suitable control measures before starting any work with asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out specific requirements for the control of asbestos during work.

This means that if you plan to carry out any work with asbestos, you must:

• Use licensed asbestos contractors if the work is not exempted from the notification requirement.

• Use suitable protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, and overalls.

• Ensure that the area is sealed off from the rest of the building.

• Have clear warning signs displayed outside the work area.

• Ensure that the asbestos is properly stored and disposed of.

• Provide suitable decontamination facilities for workers.

Support for Thousands of Individuals with Asbestos-Related Diseases

The dangers of asbestos exposure have been well documented, and sadly, thousands of individuals have been affected by asbestos-related diseases over the years. In response, the UK government has established several organizations to support those who have been affected.

The Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK (AVSGF) is a group of local asbestos support groups that work together to provide support and assistance to those affected by asbestos-related diseases. There are many local support groups throughout the UK that provide information, support, and advice to those affected and their families.

The National Asbestos Helpline is another organization that provides free legal advice and support to those affected by asbestos-related diseases. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and can put you in touch with experienced solicitors who specialize in asbestos compensation claims.

Examples of Non-Licensed Work with Asbestos

As mentioned earlier, notification is not required for non-licensed work with asbestos. Non-licensed work involves lower risk activities, such as removal of small amounts of non-friable asbestos-containing materials. Examples of non-licensed work with asbestos include:

• Drilling holes in asbestos-containing materials for the purposes of fixing cables or pipes.

• Removing non-friable asbestos-containing materials from electrical or plumbing systems.

• Removing non-friable asbestos-containing floor tiles.

When carrying out non-licensed work with asbestos, you must still follow the appropriate safety precautions, including wearing protective equipment and ensuring that the area is properly sealed off.

Essentials to Controlling Asbestos When Working

When working with asbestos, there are several essential things to keep in mind to ensure that you and others are safe. These include:

• Ensuring that the work is carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor if notification is required.

• Wearing suitable personal protective equipment.

• Sealing off the work area and displaying warning signs.

• Ensuring that the asbestos is properly stored and disposed of.

• Providing suitable decontamination facilities for workers.

If you're unsure whether you need to notify the HSE or what safety precautions to take when working with asbestos, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire. Our experienced team can provide advice and assistance to help you carry out the work safely and efficiently.

Do You Need a Contractor to Remove Asbestos?

If you discover asbestos-containing materials in your property, you may be wondering whether you need a contractor to remove them. The short answer is yes, you do. Asbestos removal is a hazardous task that requires specialized equipment, training, and experience to do safely. Attempting to remove asbestos on your own could put you and others at risk of exposure to the dangerous fibers.

Licensed asbestos contractors have the required expertise, equipment, and experience to safely remove asbestos from your property. They will also ensure that the asbestos is properly stored and disposed of, ensuring that there is no risk of exposure to anyone in the future.

The Use of Asbestos Tools and Materials

Asbestos-containing tools and materials were commonly used in the construction industry before the dangers of asbestos were fully understood. The use of asbestos tools and materials was officially banned in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials, and asbestos-related diseases continue to claim thousands of lives each year.

If you work in the construction industry, it's essential to be aware of the potential danger of asbestos. You should assume that any building constructed before 2002 contains asbestos-containing materials and take appropriate precautions when working with them.

Getting in Touch with us at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we understand the dangers of working with asbestos and are committed to providing our clients with safe, reliable, and affordable asbestos removal services. To get in touch with us, give us a call on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our website, affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk, contains more detailed information about our services and can also be used to request a free quote.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that requires careful handling to avoid exposure to its dangerous fibers. If you are planning to remove asbestos from your property in Hampshire, it's essential to understand the notification requirements, safety precautions, and legal obligations involved. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are here to help you carry out the work safely and efficiently while ensuring that you and others are protected from the dangers of asbestos exposure.