What Is Unlicensed Asbestos Removal in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once widely used for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was commonly found in buildings constructed before 2000, such as schools, hospitals, and offices. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose a significant health risk to people in the building.

Due to the dangers of asbestos, the UK government has implemented regulations to control its use and removal. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire that provides safe and affordable asbestos removal services. Unfortunately, not all companies follow the regulations, and unlicensed asbestos removal has become a concern in Hampshire and other parts of the UK.

This landing page aims to educate readers on what unlicensed asbestos removal is, why it is dangerous, and what can be done to prevent it in Hampshire.

What Are Asbestos Regulations?

Asbestos regulations in the UK are in place to protect workers and the general public from exposure to asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) is the primary legislation that outlines the steps necessary to control asbestos-related risks in the workplace.

The regulations require an employer or building owner to identify asbestos materials present in a building and implement a management plan to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. The plan should include:

• A risk assessment to identify where asbestos is located and the likelihood of exposure
• A register of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building
• A plan to manage and monitor the asbestos-containing materials
• A plan to communicate the location and condition of ACMs to employees and contractors
• Adequate training for workers who may come into contact with ACMs
• A plan for safe asbestos removal if necessary

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were mined and used extensively in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries. Asbestos fibers are durable, resistant to fire and chemicals, and can withstand high temperatures. Asbestos was widely used in building insulation, soundproofing, and cement.

There are six types of asbestos:

• Chrysotile
• Amosite
• Crocidolite
• Tremolite
• Anthophyllite
• Actinolite

All six types of asbestos are carcinogenic, and exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

What Is the Regulation 148?

Regulation 148 of the CAR outlines the requirements for removing asbestos-containing materials. According to regulation 148, asbestos removal work is classified into two categories: licensed and non-licensed work.

Licensed asbestos removal work is carried out by licensed contractors who have specialist training, equipment, and protective clothing. Non-licensed asbestos removal work involves the removal of lower risk asbestos-containing materials that can be safely removed with a few precautions.

Implementing EU Regulations: The Came Into Force

In 2005, the European Union introduced new regulations to limit exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 (CAWR) updated the CAR and implemented the EU regulations in the UK. The CAWR cover all work that could potentially expose workers to asbestos.

The CAWR require employers to conduct a thorough risk assessment, identify the presence of asbestos in their building, and implement appropriate controls to manage the risk of exposure.

Fully Implementing the Regulations

It is essential that companies and building owners fully implement the asbestos regulations to protect the health and safety of the workers and the general public. This can be achieved by:

• Identifying and recording the presence of any asbestos-containing materials in the building or site
• Assessing the risks and creating a plan to control or remove the asbestos-containing materials
• Communicating the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials to employees and contractors
• Providing adequate training for anyone who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials
• Using a licensed asbestos removal contractor for all asbestos removal work

What Is Non-Licensed Work?

Non-licensed asbestos removal work involves removing lower risk asbestos-containing materials that can be safely removed with a few precautions. Non-licensed work is suitable for materials such as asbestos cement, textured coatings, and some insulation products.

Non-licensed asbestos removal work must be carried out with appropriate protective equipment, and the area must be cordoned off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. Non-licensed asbestos removal work does not require a licensed asbestos removal contractor, but the work should be carried out by someone with the appropriate training and knowledge.

What Is Licensed Work?

Licensed asbestos removal work is carried out by licensed contractors who have specialist training, equipment, and protective clothing. Licensed work is required when the asbestos-containing materials pose a significant risk to health and safety.

Licensed asbestos removal work must be done in accordance with strict guidelines and procedures to ensure the safe removal and disposal of the asbestos-containing materials. The area must be cordoned off, and the asbestos-containing materials must be handled and transported appropriately.

Health and Safety

Asbestos fibers are dangerous when inhaled. They can cause health problems such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, which can take years to develop. The long-term effects of asbestos exposure can be severe, and there is no known cure for asbestos-related diseases.

It is essential to take the necessary precautions when working with, or coming into contact with, asbestos. This includes using the correct protective equipment and clothing, following strict guidelines and procedures, and ensuring that the asbestos-containing materials are correctly disposed of.

Notifiable Non-Licensed Work

Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) is a type of asbestos removal work that is not a licensed work but has additional notification requirements. NNLW is work involving the removal of:

• More than 10 square meters of asbestos-containing material
• More than one meter of pipe or duct insulation
• Low-density board
• Asbestos-containing floor tiles

NNLW must be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) two weeks before the work starts. The notification must include details about the location of the work, the type and quantity of asbestos-containing materials, and the precautions that will be taken.

Control of Asbestos Waste Materials

Asbestos-containing waste material must be managed and disposed of in accordance with strict guidelines and procedures. Asbestos-containing waste must be double-bagged or wrapped in heavy-duty polythene and labeled as containing asbestos.

The waste must be transported by a licensed waste carrier and disposed of at a designated landfill site that can accept asbestos waste. The landfill site must be licensed to handle asbestos waste and have appropriate facilities for the safe disposal of asbestos.

Projects That Need to Be Informed

If you are planning a project that involves disturbing asbestos-containing materials, such as building refurbishments or demolition work, you must inform the local authority before starting the work. The local authority will then inform the HSE of the project, and the HSE will make sure that the relevant regulations are followed.

Before starting any work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, you should conduct a full risk assessment, and if necessary, employ a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove the asbestos-containing materials safely.

Projects That Need to Be Implemented

If you are planning a project in Hampshire that involves the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, you must adhere to the appropriate regulations. This includes:

• Conducting a full risk assessment of the project
• Identifying the presence of asbestos-containing materials
• Employing a licensed asbestos removal contractor for all licensed asbestos removal work
• Conducting a notifiable non-licensed work notification if required
• Disposing of asbestos-containing waste appropriately

Asbestos Must Be Removed

If asbestos-containing materials are identified during a building survey or refurbishment project, they must be removed safely and appropriately. This includes using a licensed asbestos removal contractor for all licensed work and following strict guidelines and procedures for non-licensed work.

Asbestos-containing waste must be disposed of appropriately at a licensed landfill site, and notifiable non-licensed work must be notified to the HSE before starting the work.

Asbestos Must Be Logged

It is essential to keep accurate records of any asbestos-containing materials that have been identified or removed from a building. This includes recording the location, type, and condition of the asbestos-containing materials, as well as the date and method of removal.

Keeping accurate records is vital for ensuring the health and safety of future workers and occupants of the building, as well as for demonstrating compliance with the relevant regulations.

Hampshire - South East England

Hampshire is a county on the south coast of England, which includes the two major cities of Southampton and Portsmouth. Asbestos-containing materials are common in buildings constructed before 2000, such as schools, hospitals, and offices, and there is a significant risk of exposure to asbestos fibers in Hampshire.

It is essential for building owners and contractors in Hampshire to adhere to the relevant regulations and ensure that any asbestos-containing materials identified are removed safely and appropriately.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is a licensed asbestos removal company in Hampshire that provides safe and affordable asbestos removal services. We are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our customers and the general public by using strict guidelines and procedures for all asbestos removal work.

We provide both non-licensed and licensed asbestos removal services to residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. We are fully trained and licensed to handle all types of asbestos-containing materials, and we take pride in our commitment to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services.

For more information about our services, please contact us on 01962 458066, or email us at [email protected], or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk.