What Qualifications Do I Need to Remove Asbestos in Devon?

If you work in a building or construction trade in Devon, you may have come across asbestos removal requirements. Asbestos is a mineral once widely used in construction and other industries for its insulating properties, but its use has been banned in most countries due to health concerns. Asbestos removal is a hazardous and regulated task that requires specific qualifications.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos removal company in Devon that provides asbestos services to clients in the South West of England. Our team consists of experienced and licensed asbestos removal operatives who work in compliance with both national and local regulations.

In this landing page, we aim to provide you with essential information on asbestos, the legal requirements for asbestos removal in Devon, and the qualifications you need to become a licensed asbestos removal operative.

Asbestos

Asbestos refers to a group of six mineral fibers that were commonly used in construction, insulation, and fireproofing materials until the 1980s. When asbestos materials are disturbed or damaged, they release microscopic fibers into the air, which, if inhaled, can cause fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos removal is a complex and sometimes dangerous process that needs to be carried out by a licensed and trained professional.

Legal Requirements for Asbestos Removal in Devon

Asbestos removal in Devon is governed by a set of regulations from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which sets out the health and safety requirements for the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos. The regulations aim to protect workers and members of the public from exposure to hazardous asbestos fibers.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, any person carrying out work with asbestos insulation, coating, or insulating board must hold appropriate training and qualifications. The regulations also require employers to ensure that their workers are adequately informed, instructed, and trained.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines or even imprisonment.

Qualifications for Asbestos Removal in Devon

Asbestos removal operatives in Devon must hold specific qualifications to carry out asbestos work. These qualifications are awarded by the HSE-approved training providers and fall into two categories; licensed and non-licensed.

Licensed Asbestos Removal Operatives

Licensed asbestos removal operatives hold a high level of training and competence and are authorized to carry out work with all types of asbestos, including the most dangerous ones like crocidolite and amosite.

To become a licensed asbestos removal operative in Devon, you need to complete a three-part training course that covers asbestos awareness, asbestos removal works, and face-fit testing. The course must be delivered by an HSE-approved training provider.

The course can take up to five days, and at the end of it, you will receive a certificate of competence. You will also need to pass a medical examination to ensure that you are medically fit to work with asbestos.

Non-Licensed Asbestos Removal Operatives

Non-licensed asbestos removal operatives are authorized to work with low-risk asbestos materials that are less likely to release fibers into the air.

To become a non-licensed asbestos removal operative in Devon, you need to complete a one-day training course that covers asbestos awareness, the safe working methods for asbestos-containing materials, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The course must be delivered by an HSE-approved training provider, and at the end of it, you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Experience

Asbestos removal is a hazardous task that requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Most employers in Devon require their asbestos removal operatives to have a minimum of two years of experience in the field.

During this time, you will work under the supervision of licensed asbestos removal operatives and gain a wealth of practical knowledge crucial to delivering safe and efficient asbestos removal services.

Asan Asbestos

Asan asbestos is a type of asbestos that was commonly used in construction materials in the UK. Asan asbestos is usually found in the form of insulation boards, pipe insulation, and sprayed coatings.

Asan asbestos is classified as a non-friable asbestos material, meaning that it is unlikely to release fibers into the air if left undisturbed.

However, if an Asan asbestos-containing material (ACM) is disturbed or damaged, it can become friable and release fibers into the air. As a result, Asan asbestos removal should always be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal operative.

Conclusion

In summary, asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause severe illnesses if inhaled. Asbestos removal in Devon is governed by strict regulations that require both licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal operatives to hold specific qualifications.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is an asbestos removal company in Devon that provides safe and reliable asbestos removal services to clients in the South West of England. We have a team of experienced and licensed asbestos removal operatives who work in compliance with both national and local asbestos regulations.

If you need asbestos removal services in Devon, contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk, and fill in our online contact form.