Is Removal of Asbestos Contaminated Soil Notifiable in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that was commonly used in building products throughout the 20th century due to its fire-resistant properties. However, it was declared a carcinogen in 1987 by the World Health Organization due to the high risks of lung cancer and other related illnesses that it poses. Given the dangers presented by asbestos exposure, its removal and disposal require careful and specialized handling.

In Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a company dedicated to providing asbestos removal services to commercial and residential properties. Our services include identifying the presence of asbestos, testing it, and removing it safely and responsibly. One of the most common questions we get from our customers is whether removal of asbestos-contaminated soil is notifiable in Hampshire. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to address this critical question and provide you with all the crucial information you need to know about contaminated soil, waste disposal, and the regulations governing asbestos in Hampshire.

Asbestos: A Brief Back Story

Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials for many years, including roofing and insulation, cement, and textured paints. Its popularity led to widespread use in commercial and residential buildings throughout the UK. The material consists of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are highly durable, fire-resistant, and an excellent insulator. However, when disturbed, they become a serious health hazard, causing diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

In response to the dangers posed by asbestos, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into force throughout the UK. The regulations set out guidelines for identifying, handling, and disposing of asbestos-containing materials. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees the implementation of the regulations, with local authorities providing support in enforcing them.

Contaminated Land: An Overview

Contaminated soil refers to any land that has been found to contain substances that can pose a threat to human health, animals, wildlife or the environment. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 regulates the treatment and disposal of waste, including contaminated land, in England and Wales. Section 78 of the Act requires polluters to clean up the contaminated land to prevent the risk of harm to individuals and the environment.

Contaminated land can result from various activities, including industrial activities such as mining, manufacturing, and electrical generation, as well as agricultural and domestic activities. The types of contaminants can range from asbestos and hydrocarbons to heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic.

It is worth noting that under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, local authorities can deem a site as contaminated if it may cause harm to human health, the environment or if it becomes an impediment to other developments. Such a designation can affect the value, use, and future of a site.

Asbestos Contaminated Soil: Dealing with the Problem

In most cases, asbestos-contaminated soil arises when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been buried, and it is estimated that there may be more than 300,000 ACM-contaminated sites in England, according to the HSE. Any activity that involves the disturbance of soil contaminated with asbestos can cause the release of asbestos fibres into the air, posing a significant risk to workers and the environment.

When it comes to disposing of asbestos-contaminated soil, several guidelines need to be followed. According to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos waste must be labeled, packaged, transported, and disposed of in compliance with the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. "Special waste," such as asbestos-contaminated material, must be transported and disposed of only by authorized carriers and at licensed disposal sites.

The Notifiable Non-Licensable Work (NNLW) Regulations

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, work that involves the removal, encapsulation, and maintenance of asbestos is categorized as either licensable or non-licensable. Licensable work involves high risks of asbestos exposure and requires a license from the HSE. On the other hand, non-licensable work is divided into two categories; notifiable non-licensable work (NNLW) and non-notifiable non-licensable work (NNNLW).

NNLW refers to work in which the exposure is expected to be short-term or a one-time occurrence. Workers undertaking NNLW are required to undergo asbestos awareness training to ensure they have the necessary knowledge to identify and minimize potential risks associated with the work.

Under the NNLW, there is no requirement to notify the HSE in advance of the work. However, the work must be recorded, and the records must be kept for two years. The information recorded should include the location of the asbestos, the type of asbestos, and the date when the work took place.

Conclusion

Asbestos contamination in soil poses a serious health hazard to workers and the environment. To minimize the risks, strict regulations govern the handling, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste, including contaminated soil. Asbestos removal and disposal must be carried out in compliance with these regulations, and strict adherence to them is paramount to prevent health hazards. Furthermore, working with a competent professional such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is essential for the identification, testing, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

In conclusion, the removal of asbestos contaminated soil is notifiable in Hampshire when the work meets the criteria for notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW). At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we have been providing high-quality services to commercial and residential clients throughout Hampshire and the South East of England. Our team of specialists understands the risks associated with asbestos contamination and takes every precaution to minimize these risks during removal and disposal. Contact us today for professional asbestos removal and disposal services by calling us on 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected], or visit our website to learn more about our services.