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Removing or Containing

Removal or containment (encapsulation)

AV Asbestos can arrange the repair (encapsulation etc.) or removal of asbestos containing materials. The work will be specified, documented, and overseen by one of our experts and carried out to the highest standards by one of our group of licensed contractors. This complete service ensures that asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are rendered completely safe.

There are essentially three options to consider:

  • removal – once successfully completed, the problem is removed once-and-forever, however this may prove to be the most expensive option;
  • encapsulation – the ACM is enclosed by a non-hazardous material, so that asbestos fibres are contained and cannot escape. This is often a good solution where removal would compromise the structure of the building, or a simple remedy is required. The drawback is that the work must be monitored to make sure that it has not been damaged or it has deteriorated;
  • monitoring – where ACM’s have been found or are suspected but represent no risk, the material is left undisturbed, however as with encapsulation ongoing monitoring will be required.

Except for non-commercial private property, these are reasonably complex topics, with wide-ranging issues and legal obligations for all of those who are engaged in the process. The process must be fully understood to avoid health, legal and liability difficulties with regard to employees (including those carrying-out the work) and the general public.

These obligations may include:

  • ensuring licensing compliance, both for the work and any disposal;
  • health monitoring;
  • provision of protective equipment;
  • risk analysis; and
  • the duty to manage.

AV Asbestos is able to advise on and also resolve all of these issues including: the removal and disposal, and or safe encapsulation of any ACMs, along with any monitoring processes that are required. For ongoing monitoring etc. please see our Management service.

Removal

The removal of high risk ACMs (such as sprayed asbestos coatings, asbestos insulation, asbestos lagging and most work involving asbestos insulating board (AIB)) should only be carried out by those licensed to do so.

Some removal work, involving low risk ACMs does not require a licence. However, precautions must still be taken.

Under the The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: 2nd Edition 2013 (CAR 2012/2013) regulations, there are three categories of work:

  • licensed work – this is high-risk work, which is strictly regulated and only may be carried-out by those holding a license issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Due to the likely release of large quantities of asbestos fibres, licensed asbestos work is extremely hazardous to health. Therefore those doing this type of work must have a high level of technical expertise, diligently undertake the work using HSE guidelines including those designed to protect both those doing the work and others, use sophisticated respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and undergo regular health monitoring;
  • notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) – the appropriate authority must be notified, and confirmation must be received before any work commences, however the work may be performed by unlicensed workers who have been given the correct information, instruction, and training (an important facet of this is to ensure that those performing the work also receive regular GP health-monitoring); and
  • non-licensed work – this is low-risk work that do not require licensed asbestos workers or any form of notification, however, as with the other categories, it is essential that the workers have sufficient training, and safety precautions are still taken to protect those doing the work and the public.

 

Disposal of asbestos

Once any asbestos has been removed it must then be safely wrapped or contained; then transported, and disposed of safely. The Environment Agency (which in turn is currently sponsored by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) sets-out a ‘duty of care’ with regard to asbestos waste – and how to dispose of it legally. The asbestos disposal rules are somewhat less straightforward than the control of asbestos regulations. Fortunately, there are specialist registered waste contractors who are able to manage the process. AV Asbestos offers a service to ensure that its clients’ ACM is legally and safely disposed of.

Encapsulation

Whilst not being suitable for all situations, encapsulation/containment is often an inexpensive and realistic alternative to removal.

This approach may increase the useful life of the asbestos containing material (ACM), which legally cannot be substituted with new asbestos, despite that – other than for its health implications – it may be a particularly suitable material for the purpose.

Encapsulation:

  • may avoid issues with buildings’ structural integrity;
  • can improve the ACM’s appearance;
  • can protect the ACM from being damaged, thus preventing fibres from being released;
  • will inhibit the release of fibres from the surface of the material; and
  • will postpone the cost of removal.

AV Asbestos offers advice on encapsulation. After inspection, where an ACM (or presumed ACM) is present, has tolerable friability, and can accept the remedy, AV Asbestos offers to implement the various ACM encapsulation techniques.

 

Private clients

Clients with private property (i.e. those who do not have non-domestic property ‘duty holder’ responsibilities – click the duty holder link to check, if you are unsure) are not obligated to adhere to The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: 2nd Edition 2013 (CAR 2012/2013). However, it makes sense to treat any material that contain asbestos with the utmost care; and therefore apply the gist of the regulations. Clients with private property may have some obligations with regard to the disposal of asbestos waste, and third-parties.

Generally, for private clients with small quantities of asbestos waste, that they willing to remove themselves, the first point of contact for disposal is the local authority (where councils are arranged in two tiers, contact the district council). However, this course of action in itself presents a risk, and is not recommended, due to the expertise required to remove ACMs safety.