What Laws are There Relating to The Removal of Asbestos in Sussex?

Asbestos is a term used to refer to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have been used for various purposes in construction since the late 1800s. At the time, its fire-resistant and durable properties made it a popular building material. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

In the UK, the use of asbestos in new buildings was banned in 1999. However, many buildings constructed before this time still contain asbestos. As a result, it is crucial to have proper laws in place to ensure that asbestos removal is carried out safely and effectively. This article will discuss the laws that relate to the removal of asbestos in Sussex, England.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed asbestos removal company based in Sussex. We provide a variety of asbestos removal services to homeowners, businesses, and local authorities throughout the area. Our team is highly experienced and trained to perform safe and efficient asbestos removals.

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos or if you need assistance with the removal of asbestos, do not hesitate to contact us at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk or call us on 01273 978238.

Statutory Instruments

A statutory instrument is a type of delegated legislation that is issued under the authority of primary legislation. It enables the UK government to regulate various matters without requiring new primary legislation. Statutory instruments are used to implement EU directives, amend existing laws, or introduce new regulations.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 are two statutory instruments that relate to the removal of asbestos in Sussex. These regulations outline the safe and legal methods for handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set out mandatory requirements for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises, including public buildings, workplaces, and rental properties. It requires a risk assessment and an asbestos register to be carried out on all non-domestic properties built before 2000 or suspected of containing asbestos.

The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 set out the requirements for the licensing of asbestos removal contractors. Anyone undertaking work with asbestos must be licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE issues licenses to contractors who have received appropriate training and have the necessary equipment to carry out asbestos removal safely.

Information

The National Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation that protects employees from workplace hazards, including exposure to asbestos. The Act places a legal duty on employers to provide information, instruction, and training to employees who are at risk of asbestos exposure.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 also requires property owners and employers to provide information to anyone who is likely to disturb asbestos-containing materials. This includes contractors and maintenance workers who are carrying out work on the property.

National Health and Safety

The National Health and Safety Commission is responsible for ensuring that the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 are followed. The government department works to develop policies and oversee the implementation and enforcement of health and safety laws.

The National Health and Safety Commission also provides advice and guidance on asbestos-related issues to property owners, employers, and employees. This guidance includes information on asbestos surveys, risk assessments, and safe removal practices.

Policy

The UK government has several policies in place to regulate the use and removal of asbestos. One of the key policies is the UK Asbestos Strategy, which aims to prevent exposure to asbestos and reduce the number of deaths caused by asbestos-related diseases.

The UK Asbestos Strategy includes several measures, such as improving public awareness of the dangers of asbestos, developing better methods for identifying and managing asbestos, and supporting research into new treatments for asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Legislation

The UK has a range of legislation in place to regulate the use and removal of asbestos. In addition to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983, there are several other laws that relate to asbestos.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, for example, places a legal duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes identifying and controlling hazards, such as asbestos.

The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 prohibits the import, supply, and use of asbestos and products containing asbestos. It is illegal to use or supply any material that contains more than 0.1% asbestos.

Asbestos-related diseases

Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause several serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos.

The UK has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world due to the extensive use of asbestos in the past. It is estimated that around 5,000 people in the UK die from asbestos-related diseases each year.

Risk assessments

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires property owners and employers to carry out a risk assessment to identify whether asbestos is present in a property. This assessment must be carried out by a competent person with the necessary training and experience.

The risk assessment should identify the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials in the property. It should also assess the likelihood of exposure to asbestos fibers and the level of risk posed to anyone working in or using the property.

Asbestos removal

If asbestos is present in a property, it should be removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. The contractor must follow strict guidelines set out in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983.

The removal process involves sealing off the area and using specialist equipment to remove the asbestos-containing materials. The materials must then be disposed of in a licensed landfill site.

Thickening

Thickening is a condition that can occur as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers. It is a thickening of the lining of the lungs or abdomen and can cause breathing difficulties and other health problems.

Thickening can take several years to develop and may not cause symptoms until many years after exposure to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing breathing difficulties or other symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

Conclusion

In summary, the removal of asbestos in Sussex is regulated by several laws and regulations to ensure safe and effective removal practices. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed asbestos removal company that can provide expert assistance with the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials. If you suspect that your property contains asbestos or if you need assistance with asbestos removal, please contact us at 01273 978238 or visit affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk.