What Is The Law On Asbestos Removal In Sussex

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was frequently used in building materials from the 1950s to the early 1990s. However, it was later discovered to be highly harmful, causing a range of health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, the UK government put in place legislation to protect people from the harmful effects of asbestos.

This article will explore the law on asbestos removal in Sussex and the surrounding areas, outlining the key legislation, regulations and guidelines that companies must follow to safely remove and dispose of asbestos.

Introduction To Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a leading asbestos removal company in Sussex. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we provide a professional, affordable and reliable asbestos removal service to both residential and commercial clients. We specialise in the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring that all work is carried out in accordance with the latest legislation.

Our team of highly skilled and trained professionals is fully licensed and insured, giving our clients complete peace of mind that their premises are in safe hands. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service, and we go above and beyond to ensure that we deliver a service that exceeds all expectations.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials from the 1950s to the early 1990s. It was valued for its strength, durability, and fire resistance, making it ideal for use in the construction industry.

However, it was later discovered that asbestos was highly harmful, causing a range of health problems. Asbestos fibres, when inhaled into the lungs, can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop and are often fatal.

There are three main types of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite. Chrysotile is the most commonly used and accounts for around 90% of all asbestos used in the UK.

What Is The Legislation on Asbestos Removal?

The legislation on asbestos removal is designed to protect people from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. There are several laws, regulations and guidelines that companies must adhere to when removing asbestos.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is the primary legislation that covers the management and removal of asbestos. It applies to all non-domestic premises and places a duty on employers, building owners and managers to identify, manage and safely dispose of asbestos.

Under the regulations, employers must ensure that anyone who is liable to come into contact with asbestos at work is provided with adequate information, instruction and training. They must also ensure that the risk from asbestos is assessed and that a plan is in place to manage that risk.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation that covers workplace health and safety in the UK. It places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees.

Under the act, employers must take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent or reduce the risk of harm from asbestos exposure. They must provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training to employees who are exposed to asbestos.

The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 2018

The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 2018 cover the licensing of asbestos removal contractors. It is a criminal offence to carry out licensable asbestos work without a licence. Licensable work is any work that involves more than 10 square metres of asbestos-containing material.

Under the regulations, licensed contractors must ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the latest legislation and guidelines. They must also ensure that all asbestos-containing materials are safely removed, transported and disposed of.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) covers the use and handling of hazardous substances in the workplace. It places a duty on employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and to take steps to prevent or control exposure.

Under COSHH, employers must ensure that exposure to asbestos is reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. They must provide suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure that it is used correctly.

Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos-related diseases are a serious health concern, and they can take decades to develop after exposure. The most common asbestos-related diseases include:

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart. It is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos. The lungs become scarred, and breathing becomes increasingly difficult over time.

Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening is a scarring of the thin membrane that covers the lungs. It can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties.

Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos surveys are an essential part of asbestos removal. They are designed to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in a building and to assess the risk of exposure.

There are two types of asbestos surveys: management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys.

Management Surveys

Management surveys are designed to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any asbestos-containing materials in a building that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy.

Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys

Refurbishment/demolition surveys are required before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. They are designed to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any asbestos-containing materials that could be damaged or disturbed during the work.

Changes To Asbestos Legislation

The legislation on asbestos is continually evolving, and there have been several changes over the years to reflect new scientific evidence and best practice. In particular, the control of asbestos regulations have been updated several times since their introduction in 2002.

In 2019, the UK government introduced the Asbestos (Amendment) Regulations 2019, which amend the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulations introduce new requirements for the notification of non-licensed asbestos work, the medical surveillance of workers, and electronic record-keeping.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Services

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we offer a range of asbestos removal and encapsulation services to residential and commercial clients throughout Sussex and the surrounding areas.

Our services include:

• Asbestos removal
• Asbestos encapsulation
• Asbestos management surveys
• Refurbishment/demolition surveys
• Asbestos testing
• Asbestos waste disposal
• Air quality testing

Conclusion

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems, so it is essential that all companies that come into contact with it follow the appropriate legislation, regulations and guidelines. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide a comprehensive asbestos removal service, ensuring that all work is carried out safely, professionally and to the highest standards.

For more information on our services and to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, please contact us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.