What Regulations are There Governing Disposal of Asbestos in Sussex?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively in construction and other industries until the 1980s, when it became known for the serious health risks it poses. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other deadly diseases. Proper disposal of asbestos is therefore essential to protect public health and the environment.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a reputable asbestos disposal company in Sussex committed to protecting the community from the harmful effects of asbestos. In this article, we will explore the regulations governing the disposal of asbestos in Sussex.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry due to its ability to resist heat, fire and chemical damage. However, it has been linked to several serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

There are six types of asbestos, but the three most commonly used in buildings were chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. All forms of asbestos are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Disposing of Asbestos

Disposing of asbestos requires careful handling and special precautions. It is not a task for amateurs, as improper handling can lead to potentially deadly health risks for individuals and the environment.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides strict guidelines for those handling, transporting and disposing of asbestos. Asbestos must be handled and transported in containers approved by the HSE, with hazardous waste documentation included at every stage of transportation.

Changes in Environmental Regulations

Environmental regulations have changed drastically over the years in regards to the disposal of asbestos. In 1969, the Control of Asbestos Regulations were introduced to regulate the use of asbestos. In 2002, a new set of regulations came into force, updating the previous control regulations.

These regulations were further refined through later changes. In particular, the introduction of the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 added another layer of strict legislation for asbestos disposal.

Recycling Asbestos

Recycling asbestos is complicated due to the health risks posed by the mineral. In fact, it is illegal to recycle asbestos in the UK, so any asbestos-containing material must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.

May Legislation

The May 2012 amendment to the regulations addressed storage waste and disposal. The legislation called for companies to maintain asbestos waste for as short a time as is practical, and take all reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access.

Statutory Instruments

The UK government has passed many statutory instruments to regulate the disposal of asbestos. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations were introduced in 2012, for example. These regulations apply to all non-domestic buildings, including factories, hospitals and schools.

The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 were enacted to control the transportation and storage of hazardous waste, including asbestos, and to provide guidelines for proper disposal.

Primary Government Agencies

The primary government agency responsible for enforcing asbestos regulations is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which provides guidelines on all asbestos-related legislation. Other government agencies that are responsible for enforcing regulations may include local councils and the Environment Agency.

Accompanying Legislation

Accompanying legislation to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 includes the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) and the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). CAR is the principal legislation which governs the use, handling and storage of asbestos while ACOP offers guidance on how to meet the legal requirements specified under CAR.

Knowing the Regulations

Understanding the regulations governing the disposal of asbestos is critical for professionals who work with asbestos. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed asbestos removal company in Sussex that is familiar with all the regulations concerning the handling and disposal of asbestos.

Our team members undergo regular health and safety training that covers all aspects of asbestos management, including removal, disposal and transportation. This ensures that we always provide a compliant and safe service.

The Role of Government Agencies

Government agencies responsible for enforcing asbestos regulations have a duty to ensure that asbestos removal and disposal are carried out in a safe and responsible manner. The HSE, for instance, carries out regular inspections and audits of licensed asbestos contractors to ensure compliance with regulations.

If an asbestos removal company fails to follow regulations, the HSE may issue improvement notices or even prosecute the company. For this reason, it is important to choose a reputable asbestos removal company that has a proven track record of compliance and safety.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. It can take decades for the symptoms of mesothelioma to appear, which makes it difficult to detect early. Sadly, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, with only a small percentage of patients surviving for more than five years after diagnosis.

Conclusion

Proper disposal of asbestos is essential to protect public health and the environment. Government agencies have put strict regulations in place to ensure that asbestos is handled and disposed of in a safe and responsible manner.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a licensed asbestos disposal company in Sussex that is trained and equipped to provide compliant and safe asbestos removal services. If you have any questions about asbestos disposal regulations, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01273 978238 or via our website, [insert website].