What Licence Do I Need To Remove Asbestos In Devon?

Are you planning to carry out any work that may involve the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials in Devon? If yes, then you should be aware of the legislation regulating asbestos removal and the kind of license required to do so. The risk of exposure to asbestos fibers can have severe health implications, and it is crucial to obtain the proper training and certification to avoid any legal or health complications.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon, provides this guide to help you understand the requirements regarding asbestos removal to ensure that you comply with the law and keep yourself and others safe.

What Work Involves Asbestos?

Before delving into the required license or course, it is necessary to understand the kind of work that involves asbestos. Asbestos cement was widely used in building materials due to its strength and durability, especially between the 1940s and 1980s. Any repair or maintenance work carried out on a building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, can contain asbestos-containing materials such as:

• Asbestos cement products like pipes, roofing or cladding
• Thermal insulation such as fireproofing or lagging
• Textured coatings like Artex

If these materials are in good condition and undisturbed, they pose less risk. Still, any work that may result in drilling, cutting, or sawing can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing significant dangers to anyone that inhales them.

Do I Need Asbestos Removal Help?

Asbestos removal is not mandatory for all situations involving asbestos-containing materials. Still, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) recommends that a licensed asbestos removal company carry out any work considered high risk, such as:

• Asbestos insulation removal
• Asbestos lagging or pipe removal
• Asbestos spray coatings
• Thermal insulation
• Asbestos insulating board (AIB) removal
• Asbestos cement removal

It is also advisable to get professional help for any work that involves large or complex areas and any work that is not covered by HSE guidance but may still pose a risk.

Do I Need A Licence To Work With Asbestos?

To work as an asbestos removal contractor or supervisor in Devon, you need to hold the appropriate license issued by the HSE. These licenses are vital to ensure that asbestos is removed safely and comply with UK legislation regarding asbestos management.

According to HSE guidance, any company carrying out asbestos removal work requires a license. The license is issued after an evaluation of the company's capability, which includes assessing factors such as:

• The company's competence
• The presence of any asbestos-related health issues
• Resources such as protective equipment
• Safety measures and procedures
• Training programs

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed asbestos removal company and can help you with all your asbestos-related concerns in Devon.

Asbestos Removal Training

Asbestos management courses are essential to ensure that every person involved in asbestos work has the appropriate knowledge and the right approach to asbestos awareness, handling and removal. The HSE requires three levels of training courses for asbestos workers, which are:

Asbestos Awareness Training

The Asbestos Awareness course highlights the risks of asbestos exposure, where it is found, and how it is handled. This course is suitable for tradesmen, building and maintenance workers or anyone likely to disturb asbestos during their day-to-day work.

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Training

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal training is intended for anyone who needs to remove non-licensed asbestos materials such as AIB or asbestos cement products. The course covers the safe methods of removal, including the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Licensed Asbestos Removal Supervisor Course

The Licensed Asbestos Removal Supervisor Course focuses on providing the skills required to plan, manage and execute licensed asbestos removal work. This course is suitable for supervisors or anyone responsible for asbestos removal work projects.

What Kind of Asbestos Licence Do I Need In Devon?

The type of license required for asbestos removal work depends on the nature of the work and the level of risk to health. You need a license for any work classified as notifiable non-licensed work or licensed work.

Non-Licensed Work

Non-licensed asbestos work involves the removal of asbestos-containing materials where the exposure to asbestos fibers is likely to be low. This involves materials such as asbestos cement, textured coating, or asbestos-containing floor tiles. In some cases, you do not need a license to remove such materials, but you must follow the correct HSE procedures such as doing a risk assessment and choosing the right PPE.

Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)

Notifiable non-licensed work is work that involves the removal of asbestos-containing materials where the exposure to asbestos is likely to be moderate or high. The definition of NNLW is provided in ACoP L143 - Work with materials containing asbestos. This type of work requires a license from the HSE, and the license must be obtained before work commences.

Licensed Work

Licensed work involves the removal of high-risk asbestos-containing materials that are more likely to produce fibers. Examples of these materials are sprayed coating, AIB, or pipe lagging. To carry out this type of removal, you need an HSE asbestos removal license.

What Are The Risks Involved In Asbestos Removal Work?

The risks of asbestos exposure are high, and can cause severe health implications such as malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis. Asbestos fibers can cause damage to the lungs, and it can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for symptoms to show.

It is crucial to choose a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to handle the removal of any asbestos-containing materials, reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

Conclusion

Removal of asbestos requires a high level of expertise and knowledge, which makes it crucial to select a licensed and professional asbestos removal company in Devon. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is one of the most reputable asbestos removal companies in Devon, providing a range of asbestos management services.

Remember, if you are planning to undertake any work involving asbestos-containing materials, it is essential to gain appropriate training and obtain the correct license. This will ensure that you remain safe, comply with legal regulations, and minimize any risk to health. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services.