Is It The Law To Remove Asbestos In Hampshire?

If you own or manage a property in Hampshire, South East England, you may have questions about the legal requirements for asbestos removal. Asbestos is a highly dangerous substance that was used extensively in building materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and pipes until it was banned in the UK in 1999. Asbestos can cause life-threatening illnesses including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, and it has been estimated that asbestos-related diseases claim the lives of over 5,000 people in the UK each year. In this article, we will explore the legal requirements for asbestos removal in Hampshire and what you need to know in order to comply with the law.

Asbestos and the Law

Under UK law, it is the duty of the owner or manager of a non-domestic property to manage asbestos in the premises. This includes identifying whether asbestos is present, assessing the risks posed by any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), and implementing a plan to manage those risks. The regulations that govern asbestos management in the UK are the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), which provide a framework for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos.

Asbestos Surveys

The first step in complying with the law is to have an asbestos survey carried out. The purpose of an asbestos survey is to identify whether there are any ACMs in your premises, assess the risks they pose to occupants and visitors, and provide a plan for managing those risks. There are two types of asbestos survey: the management survey and the refurbishment and demolition survey.

Management Survey: This type of survey is designed to identify the presence, location, and extent of any asbestos-containing materials in the premises. The survey is non-intrusive and involves taking small samples of materials that are suspected to contain asbestos. The samples are then analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory to determine whether they contain asbestos. The survey report will include a management plan that outlines the steps that need to be taken to manage any asbestos identified in the survey.

Refurbishment and Demolition Survey: This type of survey is required before any refurbishment or demolition work can be carried out on a building. The survey is intrusive and involves taking samples of all materials that are likely to be disturbed during the work. The samples are then analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory to determine whether they contain asbestos. The survey report will include a plan for the safe removal of any asbestos identified in the survey.

Asbestos Removal

If asbestos is identified in your premises, you have a legal duty to manage the risks it poses. This may involve removing the asbestos, enclosing it, or leaving it in place if it is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed. However, if the asbestos is in poor condition or likely to be disturbed, it will need to be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Asbestos Removal Contractors

Asbestos removal is a highly dangerous activity that should only be carried out by a licensed contractor. The licensing process is designed to ensure that contractors have the necessary skills, experience, and equipment to safely handle and remove asbestos. Licensed contractors are regularly audited to ensure that they are complying with the law and are subject to strict regulations regarding the transport, handling, and disposal of asbestos.

When choosing an asbestos removal contractor, it is important to ensure that they are licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). You should also check their qualifications, experience, and references to ensure that they are capable of carrying out the work safely and efficiently.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire that specialises in the safe and efficient removal of asbestos. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry and are fully licensed and insured to carry out all types of asbestos removal work.

Our team of experts will carry out a thorough asbestos survey of your premises to identify the presence of any ACMs and assess the risks they pose. We will then provide you with a detailed report that outlines our recommendations for managing the asbestos, including whether it needs to be removed.

If asbestos removal is required, our team will carry out the work quickly, safely, and efficiently. We use the latest equipment and techniques to ensure that the asbestos is removed without posing a risk to occupants or visitors to the premises. We will also ensure that the asbestos is properly packaged, transported, and disposed of in line with UK regulations.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about asbestos removal or would like to arrange an asbestos survey of your premises, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us by phone on 01962 458066 or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk to learn more about our services and to request a free quote.