What Asbestos Removal Work Does Not Require A License In Devon

Asbestos was widely used in buildings and construction products until the 1980s due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was also discovered that asbestos exposure can cause lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These illnesses have led to bans on the use of asbestos and regulations for its safe removal and disposal.

However, not all asbestos removal work requires a license in Devon. Asbestos removal companies, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, must follow specific guidance and regulations to ensure the safe removal of asbestos. Nonetheless, non-licensed individuals or companies may also perform certain types of asbestos removal work, but they must adhere to strict regulations to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers.

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Asbestos Areas in Devon

Asbestos was extensively used in construction products, pipes, insulation, and fireproofing materials in the past, and it can still be found in many older buildings in Devon. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos can be found in more than 50% of buildings constructed before 2000 in the UK.

The risks associated with asbestos depend on various factors, including the type of asbestos, its condition, and its location. There are two main types of asbestos:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amphiboles (brown and blue asbestos)

Chrysotile asbestos, which is the most common type used in construction, is less harmful than amphibole asbestos. Nevertheless, any disturbance of asbestos fibers, whether during renovations or demolition, can release dangerous fibers into the air, increasing the risk of exposure for anyone nearby.

Therefore, identifying the presence of asbestos in a building is essential for its safe management and removal.

Asbestos Removal Work That Must Be Carried Out By A Licensed Contractor

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) states that asbestos removal work that requires a license must be carried out by a licensed contractor. A licensed contractor is an asbestos removal company that has been authorized by the HSE to carry out specific types of asbestos work. The HSE enforces strict requirements on licensed contractors to ensure they have the necessary training, equipment, and procedures to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

The licensed asbestos removal work that must be carried out by a licensed company includes:

• Work with high-risk asbestos products such as sprayed coatings, pipe insulation, and insulation board
• Removal of asbestos insulation, which involves working in or around high-risk areas, such as boilers, ducts, and voids
• Asbestos thermoplastic and bitumen roof removal and repair
• Asbestos insulation, insulation board or ceiling tiles, and spray coatings
• The clearance of certain asbestos residues or asbestos contaminated dust

So, if you require any of these types of asbestos removal work, you must find a licensed contractor to carry it out.

Asbestos Removal Work That Does Not Require A License in Devon

The CAR 2012 does not require a licensed contractor for every type of asbestos removal work. However, non-licensed individuals or companies must still follow strict guidance to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. This guidance includes:

• Providing a warning notice
• Conducting a risk assessment and using appropriate controls
• Carrying out the work without causing any undue disturbance to the asbestos
• Using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Disposing of the asbestos waste in accordance with the guidelines set out by the HSE

The non-licensed asbestos removal work that does not require a licensed contractor includes:

• The removal of asbestos cement products
• The removal of textured coatings such as Artex
• The removal of floor tiles

It is essential to emphasize that just because a non-licensed asbestos removal company can carry out such work, it doesn't mean they are necessarily the best option. A licensed asbestos removal company, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, has the additional training and equipment required to carry out safe asbestos removal work correctly.

The Importance of Correct Asbestos Removal

Asbestos fibers are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair and can travel deep into the lungs and cause diseases even decades after exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to remove asbestos safely and correctly, regardless of whether it requires a licensed contractor or not.

Additionally, incorrect asbestos removal can cause asbestos fibers to spread and create additional health risks that may affect other people. It is also illegal to dispose of asbestos waste improperly, which can result in hefty fines and criminal prosecution.

Asbestos Exposure Risks In Devon

According to statistics from the HSE, there are around 5,000 asbestos-related deaths each year in the UK. As in other parts of the UK, Devon has many older buildings that may still contain asbestos. Therefore, it is essential to manage any asbestos risks to protect people in the area from exposure.

Most of the asbestos-related diseases affect people who have had long-term exposure to asbestos, such as construction workers or those employed in factories that use asbestos products. However, exposure to even a small amount of asbestos fibers can cause fatal illnesses. Therefore, anyone involved in asbestos removal work, whether licensed or not, must follow the guidance provided to protect themselves and others from exposure.

Common Asbestos Removal Projects

There are several common asbestos removal projects that non-licensed contractors can perform safely. These projects include:

• Asbestos cement roof removal
• Asbestos cement shed removal
• Asbestos cement pipe removal

However, if the asbestos cement product in question is damaged, it may require a licensed contractor to remove it safely.

Conclusion

Asbestos removal is crucial for the safety of people in Devon, considering many older buildings may still contain asbestos. While asbestos removal companies are required to have a license for certain types of work, non-licensed individuals or companies can still perform some types of asbestos removal work under strict guidance. Regardless, it is crucial to perform safe asbestos removal to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure, even in non-licensed asbestos removal work. If you have any questions or concerns regarding asbestos removal work, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon through our phone number or email. We can help you determine the best course of action to ensure the safe removal of any asbestos in your building.