Does H&S Executive Control Asbestos Removal From Buildings In Hampshire?

If you're a property owner, manager or occupier in Hampshire or the wider South East England area and you're considering asbestos removal, it's important to understand the role the H&S Executive plays in the process.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we're a company that specialises in providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services throughout Hampshire and beyond. In this landing page, we'll explore the topic of H&S Executive control of asbestos removal in the area.

What is asbestos?

Before we delve into the topic of H&S Executive control of asbestos removal in Hampshire, it's important to have an understanding of what asbestos is and why it's dangerous.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials from the 1950s up until the late 1990s. Asbestos was used for its excellent heat and fire-resistant properties, as well as its strength and durability.

However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres are highly dangerous when inhaled. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release tiny fibres into the air that can be inhaled into the lungs. Over time, these fibres can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Asbestos in the workplace

Asbestos was used extensively in many different industries, including construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. While the use of asbestos is now tightly controlled and often prohibited, many older buildings still contain asbestos.

In the workplace, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require employers to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their buildings and manage them appropriately. This includes assessing the risk of exposure, preparing a plan to manage the ACMs, and ensuring that anyone working on the building is aware of the presence of asbestos and how to work safely around it.

Asbestos in non-domestic premises

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 also apply to non-domestic premises, such as offices, shops, and public buildings. If you own or manage a non-domestic premises in Hampshire, it's your responsibility to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are managed safely and appropriately.

This includes ensuring that any remedial work involving asbestos is carried out by a licensed asbestos removal company.

Asbestos in domestic premises

Asbestos was also widely used in domestic premises, such as homes and flats. While there is no legal requirement for homeowners to remove asbestos-containing materials from their properties, it's still important to be aware of the risks of asbestos and how to manage it safely.

If you're a homeowner in Hampshire and you suspect that your property contains asbestos, you should seek professional advice. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer asbestos surveys to identify the presence of asbestos in domestic premises.

The role of the H&S Executive

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK government agency responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation in the workplace. In the context of asbestos removal, the HSE is responsible for ensuring that work involving asbestos is carried out safely and in accordance with the law.

The HSE provides guidance on the safe removal of asbestos, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and coveralls. The HSE also regulates the licensing of asbestos removal companies, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and experience to carry out the work safely.

Managing asbestos in buildings

If you own or manage a building that contains asbestos, it's important to develop a plan to manage the asbestos safely. This should include an assessment of the risk of exposure, as well as measures to minimise the risk of exposure, such as sealing or covering the asbestos-containing materials.

If you need to carry out work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials, such as refurbishment or demolition, you should consult a licensed asbestos removal company. This company will be able to carry out the work safely and in accordance with the law.

Legislation on asbestos removal

The legislation on asbestos removal is complex and can be difficult to navigate. However, it's important to ensure that you comply with the law to protect the health and safety of anyone who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out the requirements for the management of asbestos-containing materials in the workplace and in non-domestic premises. The regulations were amended in 2019, but the main requirements remain the same.

The regulations require employers and building owners to identify any asbestos-containing materials in their buildings and manage them safely. This includes regular inspections and risk assessments to determine the condition of the asbestos-containing materials.

Conclusion

Asbestos can be highly dangerous, and it's important to manage it safely to protect the health and safety of anyone who may come into contact with it. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we're a licensed asbestos removal company that can help you manage asbestos safely and appropriately.

If you're concerned about asbestos in your property, or if you need to carry out work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials, contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We offer a range of services, including asbestos surveys, removal, and management, and we're here to help.