Do You Have To Be Licensed To Remove Chrysotile Asbestos In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction industry until the 1980s. Chrysotile asbestos, also known as white asbestos, is the most commonly found type of asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. For this reason, it is important to have it safely removed by certified professionals who are experienced in handling hazardous material.

If you are in Devon and you are wondering whether or not you need a licence to remove chrysotile asbestos, this article will help you understand the rules and regulations in place, and what you need to know to ensure the safe and legal removal of asbestos.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed asbestos removal company serving the Devon area. We have been providing cost-effective and high-quality asbestos removal services to residential, commercial and industrial clients in the local area for many years.

We have a team of qualified and experienced asbestos removal specialists who are experts in safely removing asbestos from a wide range of different types of properties. We pride ourselves on providing a fast, efficient and reliable service, and we always work to the highest possible standards.

Licensed Works

Removal of chrysotile asbestos is regulated under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and requires a licence from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE issue licences to companies who can demonstrate that they have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to safely and effectively remove asbestos.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are fully licensed to carry out asbestos removal work in Devon, and we always adhere to strict HSE guidelines to ensure that we work safely and effectively.

Non Licensed Works

However, there are certain types of asbestos removal works that do not require a licence. This is known as non-licensed work and typically applies to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are in good condition and unlikely to pose any significant risk to health.

Non-licensed work does not require a licence as long as the work is carried out in accordance with the HSEs guidelines on non-licensed work, and the material is removed and disposed of in a safe and appropriate manner.

Suitable Areas for Non Licensed Works

Non-licensed works are generally limited to small amounts of asbestos materials, typically less than 10 square metres. The material must also be in a good condition, and the risk to health must be low. This might include materials such as asbestos cement roof sheets and some textured coatings.

If the asbestos material is in a poor condition, or if there is a higher risk associated with the work, then a licensed contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon will be required to safely remove and dispose of the asbestos.

Lower Level of Information

Only a lower level of information is required to carry out non-licensed asbestos removal work. This means that the work can be carried out by general maintenance workers who have received some form of asbestos awareness training.

However, it is important to recognise that non-licensed work still carries a risk, as the material can release fibres if not handled correctly. Therefore, it is essential that the worker follows the appropriate safety procedures to ensure they do not put themselves, or others, at risk.

Area Risks in Non Licensed Works

Asbestos removal work, whether licensed or non-licensed, should always be carried out in accordance with the HSEs guidelines. These guidelines cover the correct methods for removing and disposing of asbestos, as well as the necessary safety precautions to be taken.

The key risks associated with non-licensed asbestos removal work include:

• Inhaling asbestos fibres, which can cause serious health problems.
• Spreading asbestos dust and fibres around the work area.
• Leaving asbestos-containing materials in a damaged condition or not properly disposed of.

Licensed Asbestos Works

Licensed asbestos removal works are those that pose a higher risk to health and safety. These types of activities typically involve the removal of large amounts of asbestos, or the removal of ACMs that are in a poor condition.

Licensed asbestos works require a higher level of knowledge, training and experience than non-licensed works, and as such, they must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

Non Licensed Asbestos Works

Non-licensed asbestos works, as previously mentioned, involve working with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are in good condition and unlikely to pose any significant risk to health. Non-licensed work activities are also covered under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

While it is not a legal requirement for a licensed asbestos removal contractor to carry out non-licensed asbestos work, it is important that the workers involved have received suitable asbestos awareness training and are familiar with the proper handling and disposal procedures.

Carrying Out Asbestos Work

If you are an employer or self-employed person who carries out asbestos work, it is your legal duty to ensure that you have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to work safely with asbestos. This means ensuring that the correct safety precautions are taken, that the correct personal protective equipment is worn, and that the asbestos is handled correctly.

If you are an employer, it is important to ensure that any workers or contractors you employ to carry out asbestos work are fully trained, equipped and competent to carry out the work safely.

Types of Asbestos

There are six types of asbestos, including:

• Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
• Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
• Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
• Tremolite
• Actinolite
• Anthophyllite

Of these, chrysotile asbestos is the most commonly found in buildings in the UK, and requires particular care when it comes to removal and disposal.

Employers' Responsibility

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is the responsibility of the employer to:

• Identify and assess the presence and location of asbestos in their building.
• Make a plan to manage any asbestos in their building.
• Ensure that any workers who are likely to disturb asbestos are provided with information, instruction and training.
• Ensure that any contractors employed to work with asbestos are competent and hold the correct licences where required.
• Make sure that any asbestos removed from their building is properly disposed of.

Asbestos in the Country

While asbestos is no longer used in construction, there are still many properties in the UK that contain asbestos. This means that it is important for property owners and managers to be vigilant and ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are safely identified, managed and, if necessary, removed.

Damaging Health

Exposure to asbestos can damage health, and it can take years or even decades for symptoms to appear. For this reason, it is important to take any possible exposure to asbestos seriously, and to ensure that any asbestos-containing materials are safely and correctly handled.

How to Dispose of Asbestos

Asbestos is classified as hazardous waste, and as such, it must be disposed of at a licensed waste disposal site. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon can arrange for the safe disposal of any asbestos that we remove from your property, ensuring that it is disposed of in accordance with the necessary regulations.

Don't Like to Dispose Asbestos

It is illegal to dispose of asbestos in the general waste stream, and it is also illegal to fly-tip asbestos. This can result in a significant fine, as well as posing a serious risk to health and the environment.

Send Link Instead

If you would like more information on the safe and legal removal of chrysotile asbestos in Devon, or to arrange a quote for removal work, please visit our website, or give us a call today.

Benefits of Choosing Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

By choosing Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, you can benefit from a range of services, including:

• Fully licensed asbestos removal services.
• Competitive pricing that is tailored to your individual needs.
• A responsive and reliable service.
• A team of qualified and experienced professionals who are committed to providing a high-quality service.

Conclusion

If you are planning on removing chrysotile asbestos from your property in Devon, it is important to ensure that you use a licensed asbestos removal company who can safely and legally dispose of the hazardous material.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we have many years of experience in safely removing asbestos from a wide range of properties across the Devon area. If you would like to find out more about our services, or to arrange a quote for removal work, please give us a call today.