Do You Have To Be Licensed To Remove Chrysotile Asbestos In Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used in construction due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. However, it has been linked to serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly used type of asbestos and is found in many buildings built before the year 2000.

If you are planning to undertake any works that involve the removal of asbestos in Sussex, you need to be aware of the regulations governing asbestos removal. The safe and legal removal of asbestos requires specialist knowledge, skills, and equipment, and it is essential that asbestos is not disturbed or damaged, as this can release harmful fibers into the air.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex are an asbestos removal company in Sussex that specializes in safe and effective asbestos removal. Whether you require licensed works or non-licensed works, our team of experienced asbestos removal experts can help. In this landing page, we will provide you with all the information you need regarding licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal works in Sussex.

Do You Need A License To Remove Asbestos In Sussex?

Asbestos removal works in Sussex can be broadly classified as licensed and non-licensed works.

Non-Licensed Works

Non-licensed asbestos works are considered low-risk activities that do not require a license. These include minor works that involve minimal disturbance to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as drilling holes or fixing things to walls. Non-licensed works can be carried out by competent individuals who have received appropriate training on the handling and removal of asbestos. It is important to note that even non-licensed works must be conducted in accordance with strict health and safety guidelines to ensure that asbestos fibers are not released into the air.

Licensed Works

Licensed asbestos works are considered high-risk activities that require a license from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Licensed asbestos works involve the removal of larger amounts of ACMs, such as those found in schools, hospitals, and industrial buildings. Only licensed contractors are trained and authorized to carry out licensed asbestos removal works in Sussex. The licensing process involves a rigorous assessment of the contractor's competency, training, and equipment to ensure that they can safely undertake the works.

Are All Asbestos Removal Projects Suitable For Non-Licensed Works?

Not all asbestos removal projects are suitable for non-licensed works. The decision to conduct non-licensed works should be based on a thorough assessment of the risks involved, the type and condition of the ACMs present, and the equipment and techniques required to remove them safely.

As a general rule, non-licensed asbestos works are only suitable for the removal of small amounts of low-risk ACMs. For example, non-licensed works may be appropriate for removing asbestos cement sheets from a domestic garage roof, but not for removing an asbestos insulated pipe in a factory.

Which Areas Of Sussex Require Licensed Works For Asbestos Removal?

Licensed asbestos removal works are required in higher-risk areas that involve the removal of more than 10m2 of ACMs, or those that are in a poor condition and may release fibers when disturbed. Some examples of areas that require licensed works for asbestos removal in Sussex include:

• Industrial settings such as factories and power stations
• Public buildings such as schools and hospitals
• Commercial buildings such as offices and shops
• Residential buildings built before the year 2000 (if ACMs are present)

What Level Of Information Is Required About The Area And Risks Before Starting Asbestos Work, Licensed Or Non-Licensed?

Before starting any asbestos works, licensed or non-licensed, it is essential to carry out a detailed survey to identify the type, condition, and location of any ACMs present. The survey should be conducted by a competent surveyor who has received appropriate training and certification to undertake asbestos surveys.

The survey information should include the following:

• The location, condition, and extent of the ACMs
• The type of ACMs present
• The likelihood of ACMs being damaged or disturbed during the works
• The health risks associated with the ACMs
• The measures required to remove or control the ACMs safely

Can Non-Licensed Workers Carry Out Asbestos Work?

Non-licensed workers can carry out non-licensed asbestos works if they are competent and have received appropriate training. However, it is important to note that non-licensed workers should only undertake works that match their level of competency and experience, and they should not attempt to remove asbestos-containing materials that require a license.

Non-licensed workers who are involved in asbestos works must follow strict health and safety guidelines to ensure that they do not put themselves or others at risk of asbestos exposure. They must also be aware of their legal responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Do Employers Need To Find Health Workers For Asbestos Work?

Employers have legal responsibilities to ensure that anyone who is involved in asbestos works is competent, trained, and aware of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. This includes providing appropriate training, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to those involved in asbestos works.

Employers should also provide health surveillance to workers who may be exposed to asbestos fibers as part of their job role. Health surveillance is a system of regular health checks that monitors the individual's health and detects any signs of asbestos-related diseases at an early stage.

What Are The Many Useful Things To Know About Licensed And Non-Licensed Work On ACMs?

If you are planning to undertake any asbestos works in Sussex, it is essential that you are aware of the risks involved and the regulations governing asbestos removal. Here are some useful things to know about licensed and non-licensed asbestos works:

• Only licensed contractors are authorized to carry out licensed asbestos works in Sussex
• Non-licensed works can be carried out by competent individuals who have received appropriate training
• The decision to carry out non-licensed works should be based on a thorough risk assessment
• Before starting any asbestos works, a detailed survey should be carried out to identify the type and condition of ACMs present
• All asbestos works, licensed or non-licensed, must be conducted in accordance with strict health and safety guidelines to ensure that asbestos fibers are not released into the air
• Employers have legal responsibilities to ensure that anyone who is involved in asbestos works is competent, trained, and aware of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure

What Happens When You Work With ACMs Without A License?

Working with ACMs without a license is a criminal offense and can result in significant fines and even imprisonment. More importantly, working with ACMs without a license is extremely dangerous and can seriously damage your health.

Anyone who is involved in asbestos works, whether licensed or non-licensed, must adhere to strict health and safety guidelines to protect themselves and others from the risks of asbestos exposure. This includes wearing appropriate PPE, avoiding the release of asbestos fibers, and following safe working practices.

How Should You Dispose Of ACMs Once They Have Been Removed?

Asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with strict regulations to ensure that it does not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Asbestos waste cannot be disposed of in normal waste facilities and must be treated as hazardous waste.

Licensed asbestos removal contractors are equipped to remove and dispose of asbestos waste safely and legally. They will typically use specialist vehicles to transport the asbestos waste to licensed disposal sites, where it will be sealed in airtight containers and stored in a secure location.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex For Safe And Legal Asbestos Removal

If you require safe and legal asbestos removal in Sussex, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex are here to help. We are a licensed asbestos removal company that specializes in providing affordable and effective asbestos removal services to clients throughout Sussex and the surrounding areas.

We are equipped with the latest equipment and trained to the highest standards to ensure that we can safely and effectively remove asbestos from any type of property or location. All of our asbestos removal works are carried out in accordance with strict health and safety guidelines to protect both our workers and our clients from the risks of asbestos exposure.

To find out more about our asbestos removal services or to book a free consultation, contact us today on 01273 978238, email us at [email protected], or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.