HOW TO ENSURE LICENSED ASBESTOS REMOVAL FIRM IN DEVON

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used for several decades as a construction material. However, over time, it was discovered that asbestos could pose significant health risks to those exposed to it. As a result, the use of asbestos was banned in many countries, including the UK. Unfortunately, many properties that were constructed before the ban still contain asbestos. Therefore, asbestos removal is crucial to prevent contamination and health hazards.

If you are in need of asbestos removal services in Devon or the South West of England, it is essential to ensure that you hire a licensed asbestos removal company. This article will discuss how to ensure you are hiring a licensed asbestos removal firm and what factors to consider before selecting the right company for your needs.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. It was widely used in construction materials because it is heat resistant, durable, and fireproof. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can be inhaled, causing severe health problems such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many properties constructed before this date still contain asbestos. As such, it is essential to remove asbestos from buildings to reduce the risk of contamination.

Why Do You Need a Licensed Asbestos Removal Company?

Asbestos removal is a complex and potentially dangerous process that requires specialized training and equipment. It is essential to hire a licensed asbestos removal company to ensure that the work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.

The HSE is the UK government body responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations at work. Under CAR 2012 (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012), all non-domestic properties built before the year 2000 are required to have an asbestos survey carried out to determine the presence of asbestos. If asbestos is found, it must be marked, maintained, and removed by a licensed asbestos removal company.

When hiring an asbestos removal company, it is essential to check that the firm is licensed and has the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake the job safely and efficiently. Hiring an unlicensed company may put you, your family, employees, or the public at risk.

What is a Licensed Asbestos Removal Company?

A licensed asbestos removal company is a firm that has been certified by the HSE to remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) safely. The licenses are issued by the HSE and are divided into three categories:

• Category A: Licensed to carry out work with friable asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation or fireproofing.
• Category B: Licensed to carry out work on non-friable ACMs, such as asbestos cement, which does not easily crumble.
• Category C: Licensed to carry out removal or disposal of asbestos-containing non-friable materials, such as asbestos-containing floor tiles.

To obtain a license, a company must undergo rigorous training and meet strict health and safety requirements. A licensed asbestos removal company will use specialized tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and follow strict procedures to remove asbestos safely.

How to Check if a Company is Licensed

There are several ways to verify if a company is licensed to remove asbestos. You can do the following:

• Ask the company for their license number and verify it with the HSE.
• Check the HSE's asbestos removal companies register to see if they are licensed
• Ask to see the company's asbestos documentation, including an asbestos management plan, asbestos survey report, and waste carrier license.

It is essential to check if the company is licensed, as an unlicensed company can put you at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

Other Factors to Consider

Hiring a licensed asbestos removal firm is not enough to guarantee an efficient and safe process. You must also consider other factors when selecting a company to ensure that the job is done correctly. These include:

Experience

Experience is essential when choosing an asbestos removal company. The more experience a company has, the more efficiently they can remove the asbestos. Experienced companies have developed advanced techniques and have acquired adequate equipment that ensures the asbestos removal process runs smoothly.

Price

Asbestos removal can be costly, and prices vary depending on the complexity of the job. Be wary of companies that offer prices that are significantly lower than the average. Asbestos removal is a highly skilled process that requires specialized equipment and training, and a cut-price job may not be a thorough job.

Workforce and Equipment

Asbestos removal requires sufficient personnel and equipment. Ensure that the company has a team of qualified, trained, and experienced employees who have the necessary licenses and receive ongoing training. The company must also have the right equipment to carry out the task, such as protective gear, decontamination units, and specialized asbestos removal tools.

Insurance

Ensure that the company has sufficient insurance cover in place in case of accidents or damage. This insurance should cover the cost of you and your property in case of any asbestos-related health problems.

Conclusion

Asbestos removal can be dangerous and risky, and it is crucial to hire a licensed asbestos removal company to ensure the job is done correctly. If you need to hire an Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, it is necessary to check for their licensing, experience, price, workforce and equipment, and insurance cover.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a licensed asbestos removal company, equipped with experienced professionals and the latest tools and equipment to ensure safe and efficient asbestos removal. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.

Call us at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information.