Do Contractors Have To Test For Asbestos In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the construction industry for a long time due to its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, among others. As a result, the use of asbestos in building materials was banned in many countries, including the UK, in the late 1990s.

Despite the ban, many buildings in Devon and other parts of the UK still contain asbestos. If you're a contractor working in Devon, you're legally required to identify whether asbestos is present in the building materials you're working with and take appropriate precautions to prevent your workers and the public from being exposed to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Survey

Conducting an asbestos survey is the best way to determine whether asbestos is present in a building or its materials. The survey involves taking samples of the building's materials and analyzing them in a laboratory to identify the presence of asbestos fibers. The survey should be carried out by a qualified and experienced asbestos surveyor who will assess the risk of asbestos exposure during the work and recommend appropriate safety measures if asbestos is identified.

Must You Test For Asbestos?

Although there is no legal requirement for contractors to test for asbestos before starting work on a building, the law does require that you assume that any building materials installed before 2000 contain asbestos. This means that if you're working on a building constructed before the year 2000, you must take appropriate precautions to safeguard yourself, your workers, and the general public from exposure to asbestos fibers.

Asbestos Risk Management

The control of asbestos regulations 2012 requires that all employers whose workers are likely to be exposed to asbestos should draw up an asbestos management plan. The plan identifies the presence of asbestos in the building and sets out procedures for minimizing the risk of exposure. As a contractor, you should ask the building owner or manager for the asbestos management plan and ensure that you follow the procedures outlined in the plan when carrying out work.

Additionally, you should provide your workers with the appropriate training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and supervision to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure during the work.

Asbestos in Demolition Work

If you're carrying out demolition work or refurbishing a building that is likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), you must ensure that a licensed asbestos removal contractor removes the ACMs before starting the work. Alternatively, you can obtain a non-licensed asbestos removal certificate if you or your workers are adequately trained, and the work doesn't pose a significant risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the environment.

Precautions for Carrying Out Work Safely

Asbestos fibers can be released into the air during the work, which can pose a significant risk to the health of the workers and the public. To prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the environment, you should take appropriate precautions such as;

• Wetting down the materials containing asbestos to prevent dust from being released into the air
• Wearing appropriate PPE, such as masks, gloves, and overalls, to prevent inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers
• Using appropriate tools and methods to remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials
• Disposing of asbestos-containing materials in appropriate waste disposal facilities

Asbestos Essentials

The HSE has published guidance, known as the Asbestos Essentials, which provides practical advice for workers involved in refurbishment, maintenance, and other related work activities that may disturb ACMs. The guidance outlines the legal requirements for working with asbestos and provides advice on the safe working practices that should be followed to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

Licensed and Non-Licensed Work

The law requires that asbestos removal work is licensed when the work poses a significant risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the environment. Licensed asbestos removal work should only be carried out by a contractor who holds a valid asbestos removal license issued by the HSE.

Non-licensed asbestos removal work involves removing or encapsulating small amounts of ACMs that don't pose a significant risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the environment. Non-licensed asbestos removal work can be conducted by workers who have received appropriate training and who are familiar with the procedures for carrying out the work safely.

Examples of Non-Licensed Asbestos Work

Non-licensed asbestos work may include;

• Drilling or cutting small pieces of asbestos-containing materials, such as pipes or boards
• Replacing asbestos cement roof sheets or tiles
• Removing non-friable asbestos-containing materials, such as vinyl floor tiles or asbestos cement panels

However, if you're unsure whether the work you're carrying out is non-licensed, you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos professional.

Asbestos Testing and Analysis

If asbestos is identified during the asbestos survey, you should ensure that the materials are analyzed in a laboratory to determine the type and quantity of asbestos present. Asbestos analysis should only be conducted by a qualified laboratory that follows the appropriate procedures for analyzing asbestos-containing materials.

Who is Responsible for Asbestos Testing?

If you're an employer in Devon, the law requires that you assume that all materials installed before 2000 contain asbestos and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your workers and the public from exposure to asbestos fibers.

As a contractor, you should ensure that the building owner or manager has carried out an asbestos survey and provide your workers with the necessary training and PPE to work safely. You should also follow the recommendations and procedures outlined in the asbestos management plan to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure during the work.

Legal Requirements

If you're carrying out work that is likely to expose your workers or the public to asbestos fibers, the law requires that you take appropriate measures to prevent exposure.

As a contractor, you should ensure that you have the appropriate insurance cover for your work and obtain the relevant licenses and certifications before carrying out work that involves the removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.

Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

If you're a contractor working in Devon and require asbestos testing services, it's essential to work with a contractor who has experience and expertise in identifying and handling asbestos-containing materials. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos testing and removal company in Devon that provides reliable, affordable, and efficient asbestos services to contractors and building owners in the South West of England.

To speak to one of our asbestos specialists, call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information on our services.