When Do You Need A Licensed Contractor To Remove Asbestos In Hampshire?

Asbestos is a highly hazardous fiber that was widely used in several building materials until the late 1980s. If disturbed, asbestos fibers become airborne, and breathing them can result in serious lung diseases, including cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) still exist in many homes and commercial properties throughout Hampshire and the UK, putting both occupants and workers at risk. Therefore, proper handling of ACMs is essential to prevent asbestos-related illnesses.

This article will explore when you need a licensed contractor to remove asbestos in Hampshire and how our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire can help.

Who Are Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is an asbestos removal service provider based in Hampshire, South East England. We are a dedicated team that provides high-quality, safe, and affordable asbestos removal services to domestic and commercial customers.

Our team comprises highly skilled, licensed, and accredited professionals who have a wealth of experience in asbestos removal. We pride ourselves on providing superior customer service and have a reputation for being timely, efficient, and affordable.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulation properties. Asbestos can be found in various forms such as chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite.

ACMs that contain asbestos can be categorized into two major types:

• Friable ACMs: These are ACMs that can easily break apart and release asbestos fibers. Examples include insulation, spray-on ceiling materials, and pipe insulation blankets.

• Non-friable ACMs: These are ACMs that contain asbestos fibers but are bonded with a binding agent that makes them less likely to release fibers. Examples include asbestos cement products, floor tiles, and roof shingles.

When Do You Need A Licensed Contractor To Remove Asbestos In Hampshire?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) requires that any asbestos work, including removal, must be carried out by a licensed contractor if the work falls into "licensed work" category. Licensed work refers to any asbestos work that involves friable asbestos materials or non-friable asbestos that is likely to release fibers.

Examples of licensed asbestos work include:

• Work with asbestos insulation, lagging, and spray coatings (friable materials)
• Work with asbestos insulating board (AIB) that is in poor condition and likely to release fibers
• Work with asbestos-containing fuses and textured coatings
• Work that involves asbestos removal from ceiling tiles, pipe insulation blankets, and other ACMs that are in poor condition

If you are unsure whether the asbestos work you need to carry out falls under the "licensed work" category, it is advisable to seek professional advice from a licensed asbestos specialist.

What Does A Licensed Contractor Do?

A licensed asbestos removal contractor has the expertise, knowledge, and experience to handle all aspects of a licensed asbestos removal project.

The contractor will prepare a detailed plan outlining how the work will be carried out and take all necessary measures to protect the occupants, the workers, and the environment from exposure. This plan must comply with the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) requirements.

The contractor will also establish a critical control zone (CCZ) around the work area, which is a restricted area that is isolated from the rest of the property to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.

The contractor will employ multiple control measures to prevent asbestos exposure, including:

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, coveralls, and gloves
• Wetting the ACMs to prevent airborne fibers from escaping
• Using negative air pressure units and filtration systems to remove any fibers that may have escaped
• Disposing of the waste in airtight bags and containers to minimize the risk of contamination

After the asbestos removal is complete, a licensed asbestos analyst will carry out air monitoring and clearance testing to ensure that the property is free from asbestos fibers.

When Can Non-Licensed Contractors Carry Out Asbestos Work?

Non-licensed asbestos work refers to any asbestos work that is not classified as licensed work. Examples of non-licensed asbestos work include:

• Removing non-friable ACMs that are in good condition, such as undamaged asbestos cement products or floor tiles.
• Minor work that does not involve drilling, cutting, or breaking asbestos-containing materials, such as sealing cracks or preparing a surface for painting.

Before carrying out any non-licensed asbestos work, it is crucial to ensure that the work is safe and does not create a risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. The HSE provides guidance on how to safely carry out non-licensed asbestos work.

The Essentials Of Asbestos Removal In Hampshire

Asbestos removal is a complex and hazardous process that requires meticulous planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting. Failure to comply with the HSE's regulations, guidance, and best practices can result in severe penalties, fines, and even imprisonment.

It is essential to choose a licensed asbestos contractor like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire to ensure the safety and health of everyone involved in the asbestos removal project. Our team will ensure that your asbestos removal project meets all regulatory requirements, is completed efficiently and cost-effectively, and above all, protects you and your property from asbestos exposure.

Work Available At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire

Our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire offers a broad range of asbestos services, including:

• Asbestos surveys: We will carry out a thorough inspection of your property to identify and assess any ACMs that might be present.
• Asbestos testing: We provide laboratory testing services to determine the type and quantity of asbestos fibers present in your property.
• Asbestos removal: Our licensed asbestos removal team will carefully remove all ACMs from your property while following all regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Asbestos encapsulation: If asbestos removal is not practical or necessary, we offer encapsulation services to seal and protect the ACMs.
• Asbestos management: We provide comprehensive asbestos management services to help you manage your asbestos risk and comply with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

In summary, you need a licensed contractor to remove asbestos in Hampshire if the work falls into the licensed work category, which involves friable asbestos materials or non-friable asbestos that is likely to release fibers.

A licensed contractor will follow all regulatory requirements and best practices to prevent asbestos exposure and ensure the safety and health of everyone involved in the project.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we offer a broad range of asbestos services and have a strong reputation for being timely, efficient, and affordable. Contact us by phone or email to discuss your asbestos removal needs, and our team will be happy to help.