What Is Unlicensed Asbestos Removal In Sussex?

Asbestos is a hazardous material that was used widely in building construction, insulation, and fireproofing materials in the past. It was only after discovering its harmful effects on human health that its use was prohibited in new construction projects in the UK in 1999. However, existing properties built or renovated before that still have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) like roofing, insulation, and pipework.

Due to the dangerous nature of asbestos, its removal and management are regulated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The regulations seek to prevent people from inhaling asbestos fibers that can cause fatal diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

While its important to remove asbestos safely and efficiently, the process can be costly, and homeowners and businesses may be tempted to try and remove asbestos themselves or use non-licensed contractors to avoid the expense. This is where unlicensed asbestos removal comes in.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex: A licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex. We are HSE licensed asbestos removal contractors, and all our staff are fully trained and qualified to provide a wide range of asbestos services, including asbestos surveys, asbestos testing, and asbestos removal.

We understand that asbestos removal can be expensive, but we offer affordable and competitive rates for all our services. We serve residential, industrial, and commercial clients throughout Sussex and the South East England.

Asbestos regulations

As mentioned earlier, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) regulate the management and removal of asbestos. The regulations apply to work with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in all buildings, including domestic, commercial, and industrial properties.

The regulations require that all work with ACMs must be carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors or by trained and competent individuals who work under the supervision of a licensed contractor. The regulations cover asbestos removal, encapsulation, repair, and other activities that can disturb ACMs.

148: The number of people who died from mesothelioma in Sussex

According to the 2019 statistics, a total of 148 people in Sussex died from mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. These statistics highlight the importance of safe asbestos removal and management practices.

Unlicensed asbestos removal can put individuals and their families at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers, which can lead to serious health consequences.

EU came, EU Force

The European Union has also played an important role in setting asbestos regulations. In 1999, the EU implemented a ban on the use and importation of all types of asbestos in their member states. This forced the UK government to start implementing asbestos regulations fully, including safe removal and disposal.

Non-Licensed Works

Non-licensed works refer to work that does not require a license but still involves the handling of asbestos-containing materials. Non-licensed work includes minor asbestos removal works, such as removing cement sheets, flooring tiles, and decorating materials that contain asbestos fibers.

Non-Licensed Removal Work

Non-licensed removal work requires the worker to have undergone asbestos awareness training and be competent to carry out the work safely. However, non-licensed removal work only covers minor work, and if a project involves more than minor work, a licensed asbestos removal contractor must carry it out.

Licensed Asbestos Removal

Licensed asbestos removal involves work with licensable ACMs, which include high-risk asbestos materials such as sprayed asbestos coatings, lagging, and insulation. This work can only be carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors who are trained and licensed by the HSE.

Health and safety: Notifiable Non-licensed work

All notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) must be notified to the regulator at least 14 days before work commences. This is to ensure that the safety of the workers and the public is safeguarded.

NNLW is work with asbestos-containing materials that are not licensable, but they present a significant risk to health as they can release asbestos fibers into the air. Examples of NNLW include repairing doors containing asbestos insulation or removing ceiling tiles containing asbestos.

Waste Materials and Asbestos

Asbestos waste materials must be disposed of safely and securely to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the environment. Asbestos waste should be double-bagged in special waste bags and transported in containers that comply with ADR (European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) regulations.

Projects that don't need asbestos removal but need to be informed of ACMs

If a project does not require asbestos removal, but asbestos-containing materials are present, the client, contractor, and workers must be informed of the presence of ACMs. This is to ensure that they take adequate measures to prevent the release of asbestos fibers from the materials.

Projects that need asbestos removal

Projects that require asbestos removal should only be carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors. The removal process should be carried out safely and with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.

The importance of logging asbestos removal work

All asbestos removal work must be logged to ensure that there is a record of the work carried out. The log should include details on the type and location of the asbestos-containing materials, the removal process used, and any issues or incidents that arose during the removal process.

We serve Sussex and South East England

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a trusted and reliable asbestos removal company that serves residential, industrial, and commercial clients in Sussex and South East England. We offer affordable and competitive rates on all our services, and our staff is fully trained and qualified to ensure safe and efficient asbestos removal.

Contact us today!

If you have any questions about asbestos or would like to book an asbestos removal service, please call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.