What Asbestos Removal Work Does Not Require A License In Hampshire

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used widely in construction materials due to its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. However, breathing in asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. That's why it's important to properly manage and remove asbestos-containing materials from buildings.

In Hampshire, asbestos removal work is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, any asbestos removal work that involves high risk or licensed activities must be carried out by a licensed contractor. However, not all asbestos removal work requires a license.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a Hampshire-based asbestos removal company that specializes in providing affordable, safe, and efficient asbestos removal services. In this article, we'll go over the types of asbestos removal work that do not require a license in Hampshire and why it's important to seek guidance and advice from a licensed asbestos removal company.

Areas where Asbestos can be Found

Asbestos-containing materials can be found in many common areas of a building, such as:

• insulation materials
• ceiling and floor tiles
• roofing materials
• pipes and boilers
• textured coatings
• electrical panels and wiring

It's important to note that not all asbestos-containing materials pose the same level of risk. Materials that are in good condition and not disturbed are unlikely to release asbestos fibers into the air. However, damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed materials can release fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause health problems.

Types of Asbestos Removal Work that Do Not Require a License

Any non-licensed work involving asbestos must be carried out in accordance with the Non-Licensed Work with Asbestos (NLW) guidance. Here are some examples of non-licensed work with asbestos:

Work on Non-Licensed Asbestos-Containing Materials

Non-licensed asbestos-containing materials are those which contain asbestos, but do not require a licensed contractor to remove them. Examples include:

• asbestos cement
• vinyl floor tiles
• textured coatings (e.g. Artex)
• bitumen roofing materials

NLW can carry out work on non-licensed asbestos-containing materials as long as they have received adequate training and follow the recommended procedures. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, respirators, and disposable clothing.

Minor Work That Involves Disturbing Non-Licensed Asbestos-Containing Materials

Minor work that involves disturbing non-licensed asbestos-containing materials may be carried out by NLW, as long as the work is short, infrequent, and the area of the asbestos-containing material to be disturbed is less than 1 square meter. Examples of minor work include drilling small holes, removing non-sprayed asbestos insulation board (AIB), cleaning surfaces contaminated with asbestos debris, and removing asbestos-containing floor tiles.

DIY Work that Involves Asbestos

If you are a homeowner and plan to do work on your own home that involves asbestos-containing materials, such as removing asbestos cement garage panels or repairing textured coatings, you may do so as long as:

• the work is short, infrequent, and the area of the asbestos-containing material to be disturbed is less than 1 square meter
• you have received adequate training or guidance on how to work safely with asbestos, such as completing a UKATA-accredited asbestos awareness course or following the HSE's DIY guidance
• you dispose of the waste in accordance with local council regulations

Why It's Important to Seek Guidance and Advice from a Licensed Asbestos Removal Company

Although non-licensed asbestos removal work may not require a license, it's still important to seek guidance and advice from a licensed asbestos removal company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, especially if you are unsure whether the materials contain asbestos or if the material is in poor condition.

Asbestos removal work, even non-licensed work, involves risks and hazards that must be properly managed and controlled to prevent exposure to asbestos. Without proper training, knowledge, and equipment, you may unknowingly expose yourself and others to asbestos fibers, which can cause serious health problems.

Moreover, licensed asbestos removal companies have the expertise and experience to assess the risk, evaluate the options, and carry out the work safely and efficiently, minimizing the chances of exposure to asbestos. They also have a duty to provide a detailed plan of works, risk assessment, and waste management plan, and to ensure that the waste is disposed of according to the Environment Agency regulations.

Warning Notice

It is against the law to carry out work on asbestos insulation, asbestos coating, or asbestos lagging (ACM) unless you have a license to do so. Any person found carrying out such work without a license is committing an offense and will be liable to a fine or imprisonment.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that requires proper management, removal, and disposal to prevent the risk of exposure and health problems. Although not all asbestos removal work requires a license, it's important to seek guidance and advice from a licensed asbestos removal company if you are unsure about the materials or the work involved.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company that provides safe, efficient, and affordable asbestos removal services in Hampshire, South East England, and across England. If you require asbestos removal services or advice, please contact us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We'll be happy to help you with your project and ensure that it's done correctly and safely.