Asbestos Removal Rules: A summary for UK Businesses
As a business owner in the UK, hazardous waste management is a critical aspect of sustaining a safe and compliant workplace.
One of the most hazardous materials commonly found in a workplace is asbestos, making the understanding of asbestos removal rules essential to ensure the health and safety of your employees and the public.
In this piece, we explore the key regulations and best practices surrounding asbestos removal, showcasing the support available to UK businesses to help compliance efforts.
What is Asbestos and Why is it Hazardous?
Asbestos, a group of fire-resistant and insulating minerals, used to be widely used in construction and housebuilding projects in the UK. However, it was found that inhaling asbestos fibres can cause severe health issues like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and even asbestosis. This led to the ban of all asbestos in 1999, although there continues to be older buildings still containing this harmful substance.
Asbestos continues to be responsible for over 5,000 deaths in the UK every year. Due to these risks, the UK has implemented strict regulations for when it comes to handling and removing asbestos.
Key Asbestos Removal Rules in the UK
1. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Firstly, The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These set of regulations are the primary framework for asbestos management throughout the UK. These rules ensure employers are identifying and managing asbestos in their premises, allowing only licensed contractors to perform asbestos removal, and provide adequate training to employees who may encounter asbestos.
2. Asbestos Survey Requirements
Before any work on a site begins, an asbestos survey must be conducted to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). There are two types of surveys available here: the Management Survey and the Refurbishment/Demolition Survey. The former is used for routine maintenance and the latter for more invasive work.
3. Licensed Contractors
Only contractors licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are permitted to carry out asbestos removal. These contractors will need to follow strict guidelines, such as wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE), using enclosed systems to prevent fibre release, and ensuring proper disposal of asbestos waste.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It’s a legal requirement for any worker involved in asbestos removal to wear appropriate PPE, such as respirators, coveralls, and gloves. The use of PPE is mandated to prevent the inhalation of asbestos fibres and skin contact.
5. Disposal of Asbestos Waste
All asbestos waste needs to be disposed of in sealed, labelled containers and taken to a licensed waste disposal site. Reconomy, with its extensive network of pre-approved supply chain partners, ensures that asbestos waste is handled and disposed of in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Best Practices for Asbestos Removal
To ensure your business is safeguarding its workforce and the general public when challenged with asbestos removal, here are some of the best practices that can be implemented:
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Conducting a thorough risk assessment before starting any work that may involve asbestos is very important. This will include identifying potential asbestos-containing materials and determining the necessary precautions needed to limit the risk.
2. Conduct Training and Spread Awareness
Make sure that all members of your workforce who may encounter asbestos are properly trained and aware of the risks involved to exposure. This includes understanding the procedures for safe handling and the emergency protocols in case of an asbestos fibre release.
3. Use of Technology
Utilise advanced technology, such as mobile apps and reporting portals, to monitor and manage asbestos removal processes. Reconomy’s tech-enabled waste management services provide real-time updates and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
How Reconomy Connect Can Help
Reconomy Connect is the UK’s market-leading provider of outsourced waste and resource management services, including hazardous waste management. Here’s how we can support your asbestos removal needs:
Compliant Asbestos Removal
Our network of licensed contractors all throughout the UK ensures that asbestos removal is carried out in accordance with all UK regulations.
Nationwide Coverage
With a nationwide network of over 1,000 pre-approved supply chain partners, Reconomy Connect can manage asbestos waste disposal efficiently across the UK.
Technology-Enabled Services
Our smartphone apps and reporting portals provide real-time monitoring and reporting, ensuring transparency and compliance throughout the asbestos removal process.
Expert Consultation
Our team of experts can help you develop a comprehensive asbestos management plan, conduct asbestos surveys, and provide training to your staff.
To summarise…
Asbestos removal is a complex and highly regulated process that requires meticulous planning and execution. By understanding and adhering to the asbestos removal rules in the UK, businesses can ensure a safe working environment and comply with legal requirements.
Reconomy Connect’s extensive experience and tech-enabled waste management services make us an ideal partner for managing your asbestos removal needs.
For more information on how Reconomy Connect can assist with asbestos removal and other waste management services, contact us today.